Biomarker for diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of acute heart failure and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

The application discloses MCAM as a new biomarker for acute heart failure; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring acute heart failure based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to protein- and/or peptide-based biomarkers and to agents specifically binding thereto, for use in predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring diseases or conditions in subjects. More particularly, the application discloses certain proteins and/or peptides as new biomarkers for acute heart failure; methods for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating acute heart failure based on measuring said biomarker proteins and/or peptides; and kits and devices for measuring said proteins and/or peptides and/or performing said methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In many diseases and conditions, a favourable outcome of prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments is strongly correlated with early and/or accurate prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of the disease or condition. Therefore, there exists a continuous need for additional and preferably improved manners for early and/or accurate prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of diseases and conditions to guide the treatment choices.

Heart failure is a major public health issue in developed countries and is the cause of considerable morbidity and mortality among older adults. It is usually a chronic disease characterised by frequent recurrent decompensation leading to worsening breathing problems. Moreover, 5 years after diagnosis 50% of heart failure patients will have died from the disease.

Acute heart failure (AHF) is a sudden inability of the heart to pump efficiently and where it can no longer foresee the bodily demands for oxygen. AHF is the cause of over two million hospitalisations annually in US and Europe, and displays a mortality rate of about 20-40% within one year of hospital discharge in many populations. About 90% of AHF admissions are typically from patients with chronic heart disease, the remaining about 10% are de novo patients. The clinical signs of heart disease and AHF are often non-specific which can make unambiguous diagnosis demanding.

A common symptom of AHF is the shortness of breath (dyspnea or dyspnoea). However, usually only a fraction of subjects presenting with dyspnea upon admission to a physician or clinic suffer from AHF. Therefore, a rapid, proper and effective treatment of AHF requires to adequately distinguish AHF patients from patients having dyspnea due to other causes.

Currently, diagnosis of AHF is mainly done on the basis of clinical signs, such as, ECG, chest X-ray, etc. One biomarker often used to complement these diagnostic criteria of AHF such as in emergency setting is B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). Typically, BNP lower than 100 pg/mL is regarded as a “rule-out” criterion for heart failure, whereas BNP higher than 400 pg/mL is seen as a “rule-in” criterion for AHF. Although BNP is sensitive, its specificity is relatively low, and is especially problematic due to the “grey zone” between 100-400 pg/mL. For example, Chung et al. 2006 (Am Heart J 152(5): 949-55) have determined that the BNP cut point of 100 pg/mL has 100% sensitivity but only 41% specificity for diagnosing AHF, whereas the cut point of 400 pg/mL has 87% sensitivity and 76% specificity.

Also, BNP levels vary with age, sex, weight and other medical conditions, thereby confounding the diagnosis. Notably, BNP levels tend to be elevated in patients with medical history of heart failure and renal failure. For example, Chung et al. 2006 (supra) have shown that BNP performance for diagnosing AHF in patients presenting with dyspnea is significantly reduced in patients with a history of heart failure. In particular, about 40% of patients presenting with dyspnea not caused by AHF, who had a history of heart failure, displayed BNP values over 400 pg/mL, the AHF cut-off point used currently in the clinic. Consequently, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines 2008 also characterise BNP as a biomarker of heart failure in general rather than of acute heart failure.

In view of this, there exists a persistent need for additional and preferably specific biomarkers for AHF. Such novel AHF biomarkers may be comparable to or improved over previously existing markers, such as over BNP, in one or more of their characteristics, such as, for example, in their sensitivity and/or specificity, in their reliability in patients presenting with a symptom potentially indicative of AHF such as with dyspnea, in their reliability in patients with history of heart failure and other frequent co-morbidities of heart failure such renal failure, obesity, coronary artery disease etc.

In addition, several causes underlie (acute) heart failure. Specifically systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction lead to cardiac remodelling and altered cardiac function, resulting in a decreased cardiac output. Both dysfunctions are characterized by defects in the pumping function of the heart. Systolic dysfunction results from a loss of intrinsic inotropy (contractility), most likely due to alterations in signal transduction mechanisms responsible for regulating inotropy, and is characterized by defects in emptying the heart, in particular the ventricle, of blood during contraction (i.e. the systole). Diastolic dysfunction occurs when the ventricle becomes less compliant (i.e., “stiffer”), which impairs ventricular filling and as such is characterized by defects in filling the heart, in particular the ventricle, with blood during relaxation (i.e. the diastole).

As such, the pathophysiology of systolic and diastolic dysfunction differs, as intrinsic compensatory mechanisms to cope with both dysfunctions differ. Although systolic and diastolic dysfunction share some common symptoms, the nature of treatment at least partially differs. Whereas both beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are indicated for the treatment of both systolic and diastolic dysfunction, possibly in combination with diuretics, inotropic drugs for instance, such as digoxin, are specifically indicated for the treatment of systolic dysfunction (and contra-indicated for the treatment of diastolic dysfunction) and for instance calcium channel blockers are specifically indicated for the treatment of diastolic dysfunction (and contra-indicated for the treatment of systolic dysfunction).

It may be clear that accurate and reliable diagnosis, prediction, prognosis and/or monitoring of systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction as well as the differentiation between both dysfunctions, is needed for adequate treatment. The present invention addresses the above needs in the art by identifying biomarkers for AHF and more preferably systolic dysfunction and parameters associated therewith, and providing uses therefore.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Having conducted extensive experiments and tests, the inventors have revealed that melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM, also known as CD146 or MUC18), represents a new biomarker particularly advantageous for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating acute heart failure (AHF).

In particular, in a 3-centre study involving prospective collection of samples from subjects presenting with dyspnea upon emergency admission, the inventors have first identified and subsequently validated MCAM as a biomarker displaying a significantly altered level in dyspneic patients having AHF, when compared to dyspneic patients not having AHF. In addition, the inventors have also realised that MCAM may be a useful biomarker for monitoring the progression of AHF and/or can be used to predict an acute event, since the amount of MCAM significantly differed between dyspneic AHF patients upon admission (i.e., before treatment) and upon discharge (i.e., following treatment).

Current data indicates that the performance of the MCAM marker is at least equivalent to that of BNP.

Furthermore, for discriminating between the dyspneic patients with and without AHF, the AUC value (area under the ROC curve; “ROC” stands for receiver operating characteristic) is slightly higher for MCAM (0.91) than for each one of BNP (0.88) and NT-proBNP (0.85). The AUC value is a combined measure of sensitivity and specificity and a higher AUC value (i.e., approaching 1) in general indicates an improved performance of the test.

In addition, as mentioned above, the BNP marker diagnosis has a troublesome “grey zone” between values of 100-400 pg/ml, in which no exact diagnosis of AHF can be established. Using the MCAM marker level in said samples of the BNP “grey zone” resulted in a clear distinction between AHF and non-AHF-dyspnea patients.

This overall diagnostic performance of MCAM is, depending on the data set used, better or at least equivalent to BNP and NT-proBNP, the current gold standard biomarkers for diagnosing AHF in an acute dyspnea population. At a single ratio or concentration cut-off MCAM reaches a diagnostic accuracy of 84% while BNP at its rule-out cut-off (100 pg/mL) has only an accuracy of 71%.

Taken together, the inventors have identified and validated MCAM (CD146, or MUC-18) as a further and improved biomarker for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF, in particular in patients with a history of heart failure, or suffering from other non-AHF-disorders causing dyspnea.

Consequently, in an aspect the invention provides a method for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating acute heart failure (AHF) in a subject, characterised in that the examination phase of the method comprises measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject. One understands that methods of prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of diseases or conditions generally comprise an examination phase in which data is collected from and/or about the subject.

Hence, provided is a method for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject that may comprise the steps:

-   -   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject;     -   (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) with a         reference value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value         representing a known prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of         AHF;     -   (iii) finding a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of         MCAM measured in (i) from the reference value;     -   (iv) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a         particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the         subject.

MCAM provides an improved or even substantially complete discrimination of AHF from non-AHF dyspnea phenotypes. Therefore, the inventors contemplate that MCAM can also be beneficial for population screening setups to select subjects having or being at risk of having AHF. The use of BNP for such population screening is complicated especially by the confounding effect of heart history (e.g., CHF pathology) on the BNP readout, hence BNP fails for screening due to lack of specificity. Thus, in an embodiment, the present methods for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject may be employed for population screening (such as, e.g., screening in a general population or in a population stratified based on one or more criteria, e.g., age, gender, ancestry, occupation, presence or absence of risk factors of AHF, etc.).

As demonstrated in the experimental section, the inventors have shown that prediction or diagnosis of AHF or a poor prognosis of AHF can in particular be associated with an elevated level of MCAM. Hence, in an embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods as taught herein, an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to a reference value representing the prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or representing a good prognosis for AHF respectively indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.

In addition, the inventors have tested patients diagnosed with acute heart failure both at admission to the Emergency Department (ED) and at discharge from the hospital, i.e. when patients were deemed to have recovered and to be stable. Most patients showed a significant decrease of MCAM upon discharge when compared to levels at the admission stage. A very similar picture is obtained when BNP levels at admission versus discharge are compared. This data supports the idea that MCAM levels are a reflection of disease status and thus could be used to monitor and/or predict an acute event. The inventors have also observed and verified that methods using MCAM as a biomarker, and particularly but without limitation the methods for discriminating between the dyspneic patients with and without AHF, can achieve a sensitivity of 80% or more and/or a specificity of 80% or more. Hence, in an embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods as taught herein, the sensitivity and/or specificity (and preferably, the sensitivity and specificity) of the methods is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80%, e.g., ≧81%, ≧82%, ≧83%, ≧84%, ≧85%, ≧86%, or ≧87%, or ≧90% or ≧95% (symbol “≧” is synonymous with expressions “at least” or “equal to or more”), e.g., between 80% and 100%, or between 81% and 95%, or between 83% and 90%, or between 84% and 89%, or between 85% and 88%.

In another embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods as taught herein, the subject may present itself with one or more symptoms and/or signs potentially indicative of AHF. For example, in an embodiment the subject may present itself with dyspnea. Hence, in an embodiment the methods may be for discriminating between subjects presenting with dyspnea due to AHF and subjects presenting themselves with dyspnea due to causes other than or unrelated to AHF (such as, e.g., due to COPD, or pneumonia).

In a further embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods as taught herein, the subject may display one or more risk factors for AHF, such as, for example, a genetic predisposition or one or more developmental, environmental or behavioural risk factors, such as, e.g., insulin resistance (impaired blood glucose), truncal obesity, high serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, low serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, high serum triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure (hypertension), prior myocardial infarctus, and/or one or more co-morbidities, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, asthma, COPD and/or chronic renal disease.

Hence, in various embodiments, the present methods for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF may be used in individuals who have not yet been diagnosed as having AHF (for example, preventative screening), or who have been diagnosed as having AHF or CHF, or who are suspected of having AHF or CHF (for example, display one or more symptoms characteristic of AHF or CHF), or who are at risk of developing AHF or CHF (for example, genetic predisposition; presence of one or more developmental, environmental or behavioural risk factors). The methods may also be used to detect various stages of progression or severity of AHF. The methods may also be used to detect response of AHF to prophylactic or therapeutic treatments or other interventions. The methods can furthermore be used to help the medical practitioner in deciding upon worsening, status-quo, partial recovery, or complete recovery of the patient from the acute (AHF) event, resulting in either further treatment or observation or in discharge of the patient from the ED. The methods of the present invention enable the medical practitioner to monitor the disease progress by measuring the level of MCAM in a sample of the patient, wherein a decrease in MCAM level as compared to a prior MCAM level (e.g. at the time of the admission to the ED) indicates the condition of the subject is improving or has improved, while an increase of the MCAM level as compared to the level of MCAM as measured upon admission to the ED indicates the condition of the subject has worsened or is worsening and could possibly result in a new acute heart failure event. The invention further provides a method for monitoring a change in the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in a subject, comprising:

-   -   (i) applying the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis method         as taught here above to the subject at one or more successive         time points, whereby the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis         of AHF in the subject is determined at said successive time         points;     -   (ii) comparing the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF         in the subject at said successive time points as determined in         (i); and     -   (iii) finding the presence or absence of a change between the         prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject at         said successive time points as determined in (i).

This aspect allows to monitor the subjects condition over time. This can inter alia allow to predict the occurrence of an AHF event, or to monitor in said subject the disease progression, disease aggravation or alleviation, disease recurrence, response to treatment, response to other external or internal factors, conditions, or stressors, etc. Advantageously, the change in the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject may be monitored in the course of a medical treatment of said subject, preferably a medical treatment aimed at treating AHF. Such monitoring may be comprised, e.g., in decision making whether a patient (e.g., a dyspneic or AHF patient) may be discharged or needs further hospitalisation.

Typically, this is done by measuring the MCAM level in a subject at different time points during the stay in the ED, wherein a decrease in MCAM level in function of time indicates the condition of the subject is improving or has improved, while an increase of the MCAM level in function of time indicates the condition of the subject has worsened or is worsening and could possibly result in a new acute heart failure event.

It shall be appreciated that in the present prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods the measurement of MCAM may also be combined with the assessment of one or more further biomarkers relevant for AHF.

Consequently, also disclosed herein are methods, wherein the examination phase of the methods further comprises measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in the sample from the subject. In this respect, any known or yet unknown suitable AHF marker could be used. In a preferred embodiment, said additional AHF marker is selected from the group consisting of: S-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.

Hence, disclosed is a method for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject comprising the steps:

-   -   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence         and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in the         sample from the subject;     -   (ii) using the measurements of (i) to establish a subject         profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence         and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers;     -   (iii) comparing said subject profile of (ii) to a reference         profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence         and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers, said         reference profile representing a known prediction, diagnosis         and/or prognosis of AHF;     -   (iv) finding a deviation or no deviation of the subject profile         of (ii) from the reference profile;     -   (v) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a         particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the         subject.

In an embodiment, said other biomarker useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF is chosen from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.

In preferred embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the MCAM protein detection is done in a plasma sample (i.e. a non-blood-cell containing blood sample fraction), implying that the circulating MCAM protein is detected, regardless of whether or not this circulating form corresponds to the MMP-processed soluble form or to a degradation product of the full-length or of said soluble form of MCAM. In a preferred embodiment, the MCAM protein detected is not membrane or cell-bound, regardless of how release of MCAM into plasma or serum is achieved in vivo.

As indicated above, the present methods may employ reference values for the quantity of MCAM, which may be established according to known procedures previously employed for other biomarkers. Such reference values may be established either within (i.e., constituting a step of) or external to (i.e., not constituting a step of) the methods of the present invention as defined herein.

Accordingly, any one of the methods taught herein may comprise a step of establishing a reference value for the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing either (a) a prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or a good prognosis for AHF, or (b) a prediction or diagnosis of AHF or a poor prognosis for AHF.

A further aspect provides a method for establishing a reference value for the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing:

-   -   (a) a prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or a good prognosis for         AHF, or     -   (b) a prediction or diagnosis of AHF or a poor prognosis for         AHF, comprising:     -   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in:         -   (i a) one or more samples from one or more subjects not             having AHF or not being at risk of having AHF or having a             good prognosis for AHF, or         -   (i b) one or more samples from one or more subjects having             AHF or being at risk of having AHF or having a poor             prognosis for AHF, and     -   (ii) storing the quantity of MCAM         -   (ii a) as measured in (i a) as the reference value             representing the prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or             representing the good prognosis for AHF, or         -   (ii b) as measured in (i b) as the reference value             representing the prediction or diagnosis of AHF or             representing the poor prognosis for AHF.

The present methods may otherwise employ reference profiles for the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF, which may be established according to known procedures previously employed for other biomarkers. Such reference profiles may be established either within (i.e., constituting a step of) or external to (i.e., not constituting a step of) the present methods. Accordingly, the methods taught herein may comprise a step of establishing a reference profile for the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers, said reference profile representing either (a) a prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or a good prognosis for AHF, or (b) a prediction or diagnosis of AHF or a poor prognosis for AHF.

A further aspect provides a method for establishing a reference profile for the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF, said reference profile representing:

-   -   (a) a prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or a good prognosis for         AHF, or     -   (b) a prediction or diagnosis of AHF or a poor prognosis for         AHF, comprising:     -   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence         and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in:         -   (i a) one or more samples from one or more subjects not             having AHF or not being at risk of having AHF or having a             good prognosis for AHF; or         -   (i b) one or more samples from one or more subjects having             AHF or being at risk of having AHF or having a poor             prognosis for AHF;     -   (ii)         -   (ii a) using the measurements of (i a) to create a profile             of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or             quantity of said one or more other biomarkers; or         -   (ii b) using the measurements of (i b) to create a profile             of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or             quantity of said one or more other biomarkers;     -   (iii)         -   (iii a) storing the profile of (ii a) as the reference             profile representing the prediction or diagnosis of no AHF             or representing the good prognosis for AHF; or         -   (iii b) storing the profile of (ii b) as the reference             profile representing the prediction or diagnosis of AHF or             representing the poor prognosis for AHF.

In an embodiment, said other biomarker useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF may be chosen from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.

The invention further provides a method for establishing a MCAM base-line or reference value in a subject, comprising:

-   -   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the         subject at different time points wherein the subject is not         suffering from AHF, and     -   (ii) calculating the range or mean value of the subject, which         is the MCAM base-line or reference value for said subject.

In preferred embodiments of the methods of the present invention, the MCAM protein detection is done in a plasma sample, implying that the circulating MCAM protein is detected, regardless of whether or not this circulating form corresponds to the soluble form or to a degradation product of the full-length or soluble form. In a preferred embodiment, the MCAM protein detected in the methods according to the present invention is not membrane or cell-bound, but rather is the plasma circulating form of MCAM.

In preferred embodiments of any one of above methods the subject may be human. In further preferred embodiments, the subject is suffering from AHF involving systolic dysfunction. In even more preferred embodiments, said systolic dysfunction is characterized by a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), preferably wherein said LVEF is less than 55% or less than 50% or less than 45%, and/or by increased cardiac filling pressure.

The inventors have further found that MCAM levels correlate with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Subjects with a reduced LVEF have been shown to have altered (esp. increased) MCAM levels, compared to subjects with normal LVEF. As reduced LVEF is a hallmark for systolic dysfunction, MCAM levels can be used to predict, diagnose, prognosticate and/or monitor systolic dysfunction.

In particular, in a 3-centre study involving prospective collection of samples from subjects presenting with dyspnea upon emergency admission, MCAM was significantly increased in dyspneic patients (esp. AHF patients) showing reduced LVEF indicative of systolic dysfunction, compared to dyspneic patients with preserved LVEF and systolic function. Systolic dysfunction may preferably denote systolic dysfunction of the left ventricle.

In another aspect, the invention hence relates to a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring systolic dysfunction in a subject, comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject.

Furthermore, in the above population of AHF patients with a predominance of heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction, the AUC value (area under the ROC curve; “ROC” stands for receiver operating characteristic) for discriminating between the dyspneic patients with and without AHF, is slightly higher for MCAM (0.91) than for each one of BNP (0.88) and NT-proBNP (0.85). The AUC value is a combined measure of sensitivity and specificity and a higher AUC value (i.e., approaching 1) in general indicates an improved performance of the test.

The inventors have further found that MCAM levels correlate with cardiac filling status. In particular, the inventors have found that MCAM levels are higher in subjects with an increased cardiac filling pressure, compared to subjects with normal cardiac filling pressure.

Both systolic and diastolic dysfunction can cause fluid build-up in a subject. Subjects with a systolic dysfunction however, are more resistant to fluid build-up and hence will accumulate more volume compared to patients with diastolic dysfunction before symptoms such as dyspnea occur. The inventors have found that MCAM levels correlate with fluid build-up, and in particular the vascular filling status or vascular filling volume or pressure as a measurement of fluid homeostasis. In particular, the inventors found that MCAM levels are higher in subjects with an increased vascular filling volume or pressure and hence MCAM is a marker for fluid build-up in a subject. As a corollary, MCAM levels are associated to weight gain due to over-filling or weight loss due to under-filling or volume contraction of a subject. As such, the inventors have found that MCAM is a marker for determining oedema, changes in volume status or dehydration in a subject. In particular, MCAM levels are correlated with the filling status of a subject with defects in blood circulation, such as caused by heart failure, and defects in secretion, such as caused by kidney dysfunction or kidney failure. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method as described herein for diagnosing, predicting, prognosticating and/or monitoring an impaired fluid homeostasis in a subject, wherein the subject presents itself with, is diagnosed with or has a medical history of heart failure, in particular systolic dysfunction.

Provided is thus a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring dyspnea associated with or caused by volume overload comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject. Volume overload may be indicative of HF, preferably HF due to systolic dysfunction, and may be at risk of decompensation or having decompensated into AHF. The method can discriminate dyspnea caused by volume overload such as HF or AHF from other causes of dyspnea (e.g., COPD, pneumonia).

Disclosed is also a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring HF, preferably AHF, associated with or caused by volume overload in a subject, comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject. The volume overload may be due to systolic dysfunction.

Hence, disclosed is also a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring HF, preferably AHF, associated with or caused by systolic dysfunction in a subject, comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject.

Systolic dysfunction is characterized by a decreased ejection fraction of the left and/or right ventricle, more particularly decreased LVEF. The inventors have found that MCAM levels are correlated with the ventricular ejection fraction. Disclosed is thus also a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring the ventricular ejection fraction in a subject, comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject.

A ventricular ejection fraction (e.g., LVEF) in a subject may be said to be reduced compared to normal, if said ejection fraction is below normal by any extent, e.g., a reduced ventricular ejection fraction may mean less than about 45% or less than about 50% or less than about 55%; for example a reduced ventricular ejection fraction may denote between about 40% and about 70%, preferably between about 45% and about 65%, or between about 50% and about 60%, e.g., less than about 55%. In an exemplary but non-limiting experiment MCAM levels provided particularly satisfactory discrimination between normal and reduced LVEF when the threshold between said normal and reduced LVEF was set at 55%. Hence, in embodiments a threshold for normal vs. reduced ventricular ejection fraction, in particular LVEF, may be set at a value between about 50% and about 60%, e.g., at 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59% or 60%, and preferably at 55%, wherein a value above said threshold reflects normal ejection fraction and a value below said threshold denotes reduced ejection fraction.

The drop or decrease in cardiac output due to a decreased ventricular ejection fraction promotes renal salt and water retention. This appropriate adaptation expands the blood volume, thereby raising end-diastolic pressure and volume. Thus, systolic dysfunction is also characterized by an increased cardiac filling pressure. Hence, provided is also a method for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring the cardiac filling status in a subject comprising measuring MCAM levels in a sample from said subject. Cardiac filling status may be represented by the cardiac filling pressure.

Hence, provided is a method for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating systolic dysfunction in a subject that may comprise the steps:

-   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject; -   (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) with a reference     value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a     known prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of systolic     dysfunction; -   (iii) finding a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of MCAM     measured in (i) from the reference value; -   (iv) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a     particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of systolic     dysfunction in the subject.

The above steps can be applied mutatis mutandis- to dyspnea associated with or caused by volume overload; to HF or AHF associated with or caused by volume overload; to HF or AHF associated with or caused by systolic dysfunction; to ventricular ejection fraction; or to cardiac filling status.

MCAM provides an improved or even substantially complete discrimination of dyspnea caused by volume overload such as AHF from other causes of dyspnea. Therefore, the inventors contemplate that MCAM can also be beneficial for population screening setups to select subjects having or being at risk of having an acute decompensation. Any one of the herein described methods may be employed for population screening (such as, e.g., screening in a general population or in a population stratified based on one or more criteria, e.g., age, gender, ancestry, occupation, presence or absence of risk factors of AHF, etc.). In any one the above methods of the present invention, the subject may form part of a patient population showing signs of dyspnea.

The inventors have found that MCAM can be used as a specific biomarker for systolic dysfunction. Hence, in an aspect, the invention relates to the use of the methods as described herein for discriminating between systolic and diastolic dysfunction.

In an embodiment, provided is a method for discriminating between systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction in a subject, comprising:

-   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from said subject; -   (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) with a reference     value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a     threshold for the diagnosis of systolic dysfunction; -   (iii) attributing the diagnosis of systolic dysfunction in said     subject if the quantity of MCAM in said sample of said subject     exceeds said threshold.

As demonstrated in the experimental section, the inventors have shown that prediction or diagnosis of systolic dysfunction or a poor prognosis of systolic dysfunction can in particular be associated with an elevated level of MCAM. Hence, in an embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods as taught herein, an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to a reference value representing the prediction or diagnosis of no systolic dysfunction or representing a good prognosis for systolic dysfunction respectively indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having systolic dysfunction or indicates a poor prognosis for systolic dysfunction in the subject. Elevated MCAM levels may also be indicative of prediction or diagnosis or poor prognosis of dyspnea associated with or caused by volume overload; or of HF or AHF associated with or caused by volume overload; or of HF or AHF associated with or caused by systolic dysfunction; or of reduced ventricular ejection fraction; or of increased cardiac filling pressure.

In an embodiment, the method for monitoring systolic dysfunction comprises the steps of:

-   (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in samples from the subject from     two or more successive time points; -   (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM between the samples as measured     in (i); -   (iii) finding a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of MCAM     between the samples as compared in (ii); -   (iv) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a     change in systolic dysfunction in the subject between the two or     more successive time points.

The above steps can be applied mutatis mutandis to dyspnea associated with or caused by volume overload; to HF or AHF associated with or caused by volume overload; to HF or AHF associated with or caused by systolic dysfunction; to ventricular ejection fraction; or to cardiac filling status.

The monitoring may be applied in the course of a medical treatment of the subject.

In an embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring methods as taught herein, the sensitivity and/or specificity (and preferably, the sensitivity and specificity) of the methods is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70% or at least 80%, e.g., ≧81%, ≧82%, ≧83%, ≧84%, ≧85%, ≧86%, or ≧87%, or ≧90% or ≧95% (symbol “≧” is synonymous with expressions “at least” or “equal to or more”), e.g., between 80% and 100%, or between 81% and 95%, or between 83% and 90%, or between 84% and 89%, or between 85% and 88%.

In another embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring methods as taught herein, the subject may present itself with one or more symptoms and/or signs potentially indicative of fluid homeostatic imbalance, acute heart failure, chronic heart failure, systolic dysfunction or kidney dysfunction or failure. For example, in an embodiment the subject may present itself with dyspnea.

In a further embodiment of the prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring methods as taught herein, the subject may display one or more risk factors for the conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to the invention, such as, for example, a genetic predisposition or one or more developmental, environmental or behavioural risk factors, such as, e.g., insulin resistance (impaired blood glucose), truncal obesity, high serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, low serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, high serum triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure (hypertension), prior myocardial infarctus, and/or one or more co-morbidities, such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, asthma, COPD and/or chronic renal disease.

For example, in patients suffering from over-filling (volume overload), a decrease in MCAM level as compared to a prior MCAM level (e.g. at the time of the admission to the ED) indicates the condition of the subject is improving or has improved, while an increase of the MCAM level as compared to a prior MCAM level (e.g. at the time of the admission to the ED) indicates the condition of the subject has worsened or is worsening. Such worsening could possibly result in the recurrence of the conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to the invention, such as in a new acute heart failure event.

In another example, in patients suffering from under-filling (volume contraction), such as for example Intensive Care Unit patients, an increase in MCAM level as compared to a prior MCAM level (e.g. at the time of the admission to the ICU) indicates the condition of the subject is improving or has improved, while a decrease of the MCAM level as compared to a prior MCAM level (e.g. at the time of the admission to the ICU) indicates the condition of the subject has worsened or is worsening.

Accordingly, further provided are a method for monitoring a change in the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of the conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to the invention in a subject, comprising:

-   -   (i) applying the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis method         as taught here above to the subject at two or more successive         time points, whereby the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis         of the conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to         the invention in the subject is determined at said successive         time points;     -   (ii) comparing the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of the         conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to the         invention in the subject at said successive time points as         determined in (i); and     -   (iii) finding the presence or absence of a change between the         prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of the conditions,         symptoms and/or parameter values according to the invention in         the subject at said successive time points as determined in (i).

This aspect allows to monitor the subject's condition over time. This can inter alia allow to predict the occurrence the conditions, symptoms and/or parameter values according to the invention, or to monitor in said subject the disease progression, disease aggravation or alleviation, disease recurrence, response to treatment, response to other external or internal factors, conditions, or stressors, etc. Advantageously, the change in the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis in the subject may be monitored in the course of a medical treatment of said subject. Such monitoring may be comprised, e.g., in decision making whether a patient may be discharged, needs a change in treatment or needs further hospitalisation.

It shall be appreciated that in the present prediction, diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring methods the measurement of MCAM may also be combined with the assessment of one or more further biomarkers or clinical parameters relevant for the conditions, symptoms and/or parameters according to the invention.

Consequently, also disclosed herein are methods, wherein the examination phase of the methods further comprises measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more such other biomarkers in the sample from the subject. In this respect, any known or yet unknown suitable marker could be used.

Dyspnea can be caused by AHF, but also is present in other patients due to causes other than or unrelated to AHF such as, COPD or pneumonia. The diagnostic methods according to the invention work particularly well in a patient population showing signs of dyspnea, enabling the specific diagnosis of AHF based on the MCAM level. In a preferred embodiment of any one the above methods of the present invention, the subject thus forms part of a patient population showing signs of dyspnea.

In the methods taught herein, the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers may be measured by any suitable technique such as may be known in the art.

In an embodiment, the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers may be measured using, respectively, a binding agent capable of specifically binding to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, and a binding agent capable of specifically binding to said one or more other biomarkers.

In an embodiment, the binding agent may be an antibody, aptamer, photoaptamer, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic or a small molecule.

In a further embodiment, the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers is measured using an immunoassay technology, such as direct ELISA, indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, competitive ELISA, multiplex ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) or ELISPOT technologies, or using a mass spectrometry analysis method or using a chromatography method, or using a combination of said methods.

Another aspect discloses a kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject, the kit comprising means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject.

An embodiment provides the kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in the subject, the kit comprising:

-   -   (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from         the subject; and     -   (ii) a reference value of the quantity of MCAM or means for         establishing said reference value, wherein said reference value         represents a known prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of         AHF.

The kit thus allows one to: measure the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject by means (i); compare the quantity of MCAM measured by means (i) with the reference value of (ii) or established by means (ii); find a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of MCAM measured by means (i) from the reference value of (ii); and consequently attribute said finding of deviation or no deviation to a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject.

A further embodiment provides a kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject, the kit comprising means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject and means for measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in the sample from the subject.

An embodiment provides the kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in the subject, the kit comprising:

-   -   (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from         the subject;     -   (ii) means for measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity         of the one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting,         diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in the sample from the         subject;     -   (iii) optionally, means for establishing a subject profile of         the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity         of said one or more other biomarkers; and     -   (iv) a reference profile of the quantity of MCAM and the         presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other         biomarkers, or means for establishing said reference profile,         said reference profile representing a known prediction,         diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF.

Such kit thus allows one to: measure the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in the sample from the subject by respectively means (i) and (ii); establish (e.g., using means included in the kit or using suitable external means) a subject profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers based on said measurements; compare the subject profile with the reference profile of (iv) or established by means (iv); find a deviation or no deviation of said subject profile from said reference profile; and consequently attribute said finding of deviation or no deviation to a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject.

In an embodiment of the above kits, said other biomarker useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF may be chosen from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.

In a further embodiment of the above kits, the means for measuring the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers may comprise, respectively, one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, and one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to said one or more other biomarkers.

In an embodiment, any one of said one or more binding agents may be an antibody, aptamer, photoaptamer, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic or a small molecule.

In an embodiment, any one of said one or more binding agents may be advantageously immobilised on a solid phase or support.

In a further embodiment of the above kits, the means for measuring the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers may employ an immunoassay technology, such as direct ELISA, indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, competitive ELISA, multiplex ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) or ELISPOT technologies, or may employ a mass spectrometry analysis technology or may employ a chromatography technology, or may employ a combination of said technologies.

An embodiment thus discloses a kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF comprising:

-   -   (a) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding         to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof;     -   (b) preferably, a known quantity or concentration of MCAM and/or         a fragment thereof (e.g., for use as controls, standards and/or         calibrators);     -   (c) preferably, a reference value of the quantity of MCAM, or         means for establishing said reference value.

Said components under (a) and/or (c) may be suitably labelled as taught elsewhere in this specification.

Another embodiment discloses a kit for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF comprising:

-   -   (a) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding         to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof;     -   (b) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding         to one or more other biomarkers useful for predicting,         diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF, preferably wherein said         other biomarkers are chosen from the group consisting of BNP,         proBNP, NTproBNP and fragments of any one thereof;     -   (c) preferably, a known quantity or concentration of MCAM and/or         a fragment thereof and a known quantity or concentration of said         one or more other biomarkers (e.g., for use as controls,         standards and/or calibrators);     -   (d) preferably, a reference profile of the quantity of MCAM and         the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more         other biomarkers, or means for establishing said reference         profiles.

Said components under (a), (b) and/or (c) may be suitably labelled as taught elsewhere in this specification.

Also disclosed are reagents and tools useful for measuring MCAM and optionally the one or more other AHF-related biomarkers concerned herein.

For example, a further aspect relates to a protein, polypeptide or peptide array or microarray comprising

-   -   (a) MCAM and/or a fragment thereof, preferably a known quantity         or concentration of said MCAM and/or fragment thereof; and     -   (b) optionally and preferably, one or more other biomarkers         useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF,         preferably a known quantity or concentration of said one or more         other biomarkers, and wherein said other biomarkers are         preferably chosen from the group consisting of: BNP, proBNP,         NTproBNP and fragments of any one thereof.

Another aspect relates to a binding agent array or microarray comprising:

-   -   (a) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding         to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, preferably a known quantity         or concentration of said binding agents; and     -   (b) optionally and preferably, one or more binding agents         capable of specifically binding to one or more other biomarkers         useful for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF,         preferably a known quantity or concentration of said binding         agents, and preferably wherein said other biomarkers are chosen         from the group consisting of BNP, proBNP, NTproBNP and fragments         of any one thereof.

Also disclosed are kits as taught here above configured as portable devices, such as, for example, bed-side devices, for use at home or in clinical settings.

A related aspect thus provides a portable testing device capable of measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject comprising:

-   -   (i) means for obtaining a sample from the subject,     -   (ii) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in said sample,         and     -   (iii) means for visualising the quantity of MCAM measured in the         sample.

In an embodiment, the means of parts (ii) and (iii) may be the same, thus providing a portable testing device capable of measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject comprising (i) means for obtaining a sample from the subject; and (ii) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in said sample and visualising the quantity of MCAM measured in the sample.

In an embodiment, said visualising means is capable of indicating whether the quantity of MCAM in the sample is above or below a certain threshold level and/or whether the quantity of MCAM in the sample deviates or not from a reference value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a known prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF (as taught elsewhere in this application). Hence, in an embodiment, the portable testing device may suitably also comprise said reference value or means for establishing said reference value.

In an embodiment, the threshold level is chosen such that the quantity of MCAM in the sample above said threshold level indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject, and the quantity of MCAM in the sample below said threshold level indicates that the subject does not have or is not at risk of having AHF or indicates a good prognosis for AHF in the subject.

In an embodiment, the portable testing device comprises a reference value representing the prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or representing a good prognosis for AHF, or comprises means for establishing said reference value, and an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to said reference value indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.

In another embodiment, the portable testing device comprises a reference value representing the prediction or diagnosis of AHF or representing a poor prognosis for AHF, or comprises means for establishing said reference value, and a comparable quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to said reference value indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.

In a further embodiment, the measuring (and optionally visualisation) means of the portable testing device may comprise a solid support having a proximal and distal end, comprising:

-   -   a sample application zone in the vicinity of the proximal end;     -   a reaction zone distal to the sample application zone; and     -   a detection zone distal to the reaction zone;     -   optionally control standards comprising MCAM protein or peptide         fragments, whereby said support has a capillary property that         directs a flow of fluid sample applied in the application zone         in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end, and     -   optionally comprising a fluid source improving the capillary         flow of a more viscous sample.

In an embodiment, the reaction zone may comprise one or more bands of a MCAM-specific binding molecules conjugated to a detection agent, which MCAM specific binding molecule conjugate is disposed on the solid support such that it can migrate with the capillary flow of fluid; and wherein the detection zone comprises one or more capture bands comprising a population of MCAM specific molecule immobilised on the solid support.

In an embodiment, the reaction zone may additionally comprise one or more bands of capture MCAM-specific binding molecules in an amount sufficient to prevent a threshold quantity of MCAM specific binding molecule conjugates to migrate to the detection zone. In an alternative embodiment, said device additionally comprises means for comparing the amount of captured MCAM specific binding molecule conjugate with a threshold value.

The invention also provides a testing device capable of measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject comprising:

-   -   (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in said sample, and     -   (ii) means of storing the reference value in the device, and     -   (iii) means of comparing the obtained quantity with the stored         reference value, and     -   (iv) means for visualising the quantity of MCAM measured in the         sample.

In preferred embodiments of the kits and devices of the present invention, the MCAM protein detection is done in a plasma sample, implying that the circulating MCAM protein is detected, regardless of whether or not this circulating form corresponds to the soluble form or to a degradation product of the full-length or soluble form. In a preferred embodiment, the MCAM protein detected by said kits or devices is not membrane or cell-bound. Preferably the means for detecting said MCAM protein or fragment is capable of detecting both the full-length protein, mature protein or processed protein or the plasma circulating form thereof. More preferably, said means for detecting the MCAM protein is specifically recognising the plasma circulating from of MCAM as defined herein.

These and further aspects and preferred embodiments are described in the following sections and in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates the protein sequence of the MCAM biomarker, taken from NP_(—)006491 (SEQ ID NO.1). The protein is known as melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), or as MUC18 or CD146. The signal peptide and transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are indicated in small caps. Also indicated is the selected MASSterclass quantified peptide (pept25—bold, underlined: SEQ ID NO.2). This MASSterclass peptide can quantify both the full length and cleaved soluble form of MCAM.

FIG. 2 illustrates sequences of preproBNP and peptides derived there from: preproBNP (SEQ ID NO:3), proBNP (SEQ ID NO.4), NT-pro-BNP (SEQ ID NO.5) and mature BNP (SEQ ID NO.6).

FIG. 3 illustrates that MCAM shows comparable performance to B-type natriuretic peptides in discriminating AHF from dyspneic non-acute heart failure patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve of BNP compared to MCAM (A) and NT-proBNP compared to MCAM (B) respectively for diagnosis of heart failure cause of dyspnea in the ED. Calculated median area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are given in Table 1 below.

FIG. 4: illustrates the complementary value of MCAM and BNP and the impact of combining these two protein markers on the diagnostic accuracy. BNP levels measured by standard ELISA are shown in the X-axis and MCAM levels as measured by MASSterclass are depicted in the Y-axis. The calculated best cut-off for MCAM (horizontal line) and the routinely used cut-offs for BNP (two vertical lines encompassing the “grey zone”) are also shown. Calculated accuracy for the independent markers and the combination of both markers are given in Table 2 below.

FIG. 5 illustrates the levels of MCAM (A) and BNP (B) measured in AHF patients at admission and in the same patients at discharge from hospital. The top plot shows the raw values as measured by MASSterclass or ELISA, while the bottom plot shows normalized values which are fold changes between admission and discharge.

FIG. 6: Plan (A) and side view (B) of a test strip according to the invention.

FIG. 7: Plan view of a test cartridge according to the invention.

FIG. 8 A-B shows a side view and a top view, respectively, of a reagent strip according to the invention comprising several test pads.

FIG. 9: illustrates in box and whisker plots the correlation between weight gain and MCAM levels in AHF patients at admission.

FIG. 10: illustrates in box and whisker plots the correlation between LVEF and MCAM levels in AHF patients at admission.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised of” as used herein are synonymous with “including”, “includes” or “containing”, “contains”, and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.

The term “about” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of and from the specified value, in particular variations of +/−10% or less, preferably +/−5% or less, more preferably +/−1% or less, and still more preferably +/−0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that the value to which the modifier “about” refers is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed. All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Unless otherwise specified, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions may be included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

The present invention derives from the highly innovative realisation of the inventors that MCAM is a valuable biomarker for (acute) heart failure, in particular as a biomarker for specifically systolic dysfunction as an underlying cause of (acute) heart failure, including systolic dysfunction associated parameters such as ejection fraction (EF) and cardiac filling volume and pressure.

The term “biomarker” is widespread in the art and may broadly denote a biological molecule and/or a detectable portion thereof whose qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation in a subject is predictive or informative (e.g., predictive, diagnostic and/or prognostic) with respect to one or more aspects of the subject's phenotype and/or genotype, such as, for example, with respect to the status of the subject as to a given disease or condition.

The terms “heart failure”, “acute heart failure” and “chronic heart failure” as used herein carry their respective art-established meanings. By means of further guidance, the term “heart failure” as used herein broadly refers to pathological conditions characterised by an impaired diastolic or systolic blood flow rate and thus insufficient blood flow from the ventricle to peripheral organs. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the AHF is linked to systolic dysfunction, preferably characterized by a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), preferably wherein said LVEF is less than 55% or less than 50% or less than 45%, and/or by increased cardiac filling pressure.

“Acute heart failure” or also termed “acute decompensated heart failure” may be defined as the rapid onset of symptoms and signs secondary to abnormal cardiac function, resulting in the need for urgent therapy. AHF can present itself acute de novo (new onset of acute heart failure in a patient without previously known cardiac dysfunction) or as acute decompensation of CHF.

The cardiac dysfunction may be related to systolic or diastolic dysfunction, to abnormalities in cardiac rhythm, or to preload and afterload mismatch. It is often life threatening and requires urgent treatment. According to established classification, AHF includes several distinct clinical conditions of presenting patients: (I) acute decompensated congestive heart failure, (II) AHF with hypertension/hypertensive crisis, (III) AHF with pulmonary oedema, (IVa) cardiogenic shock/low output syndrome, (IVb) severe cardiogenic shock, (V) high output failure, and (VI) right-sided acute heart failure. For detailed clinical description, classification and diagnosis of AHF, and for summary of further AHF classification systems including the Killip classification, the Forrester classification and the ‘clinical severity’ classification, refer inter alia to Nieminen et al. 2005 (“Executive summary of the guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of acute heart failure: the Task Force on Acute Heart Failure of the European Society of Cardiology”. Eur Heart J 26: 384-416) and references therein. Preferably, said cardiac dysfunction is systolic dysfunction, more preferably characterized by a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), preferably wherein said LVEF is less than 55% or less than 50% or less than 45%, and/or by increased cardiac filling pressure.

The term “systolic dysfunction” as used herein carries its art-established meaning. By means of further guidance, the term “systolic dysfunction” can be used interchangeably with synonymous terms known to the skilled person, such as “systolic ventricular dysfunction or failure” or “systolic heart dysfunction or failure”. Essentially, “systolic dysfunction” refers to a failure of the pump function of the heart due to a decreased contractility of the ventricle.

The term “diastolic dysfunction” as used herein carries its art-established meaning. By means of further guidance, the term “diastolic dysfunction” can be used interchangeably with synonymous terms known to the skilled person, such as “diastolic ventricular dysfunction or failure” or “diastolic heart dysfunction or failure”. Essentially, “diastolic dysfunction” refers to a failure of the pump function of the heart due to impaired ventricular filling.

As used herein, the term “(left) ventricular ejection fraction” means the output of the (left) ventricle during systole, and represents the fraction of blood pumped out of a (left) ventricle with each heart beat. By definition, the volume of blood within a ventricle immediately before a contraction is known as the end-diastolic volume. Similarly, the volume of blood left in a ventricle at the end of contraction is end-systolic volume. The difference between end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes is the stroke volume, the volume of blood ejected with each beat. Ejection fraction (EF) is the fraction of the end-diastolic volume that is ejected with each beat; that is, it is stroke volume (SV) divided by end-diastolic volume (EDV): EF=SV/EDV=(EDV−ESV)/EDV.

As used herein, the term “cardiac filling pressure” relates to the pressure with which the ventricle is filled with blood. Cardiac filling pressures are monitored to estimate cardiac filling volumes, which, in turn, determine the stroke outputs of the left and right ventricles. As used herein, cardiac filling pressure is a representation of left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Methods for determining or estimating cardiac filling pressure are known in the art and include ultrasound (echocardiography) and Doppler measurements as well as direct measurement through catherization of the ventricle. Cardiac filling pressure can be indirectly estimated through measurement of left atrial pressure, central venous pressure or pulmonary artery or capillary wedge pressure.

The term “fluid build-up” as used herein means an increase in body fluid in a subject. As such, fluid build-up is associated with fluid retention. Fluid build-up can amongst others be caused for instance by (acute) heart failure, in particular due to systolic dysfunction, or kidney dysfunction or failure, in particular a dysfunction that prevents or otherwise interferes with normal secretion of fluids in a subject, such as nephrotic syndrome. Characteristics of fluid build-up include an increased vascular filling volume (or vascular volume expansion) and an increased vascular filling pressure. As used herein “filling status” or “fluid load” refers to the fluid content in a subject, in particular vascular, tissue and interstitial fluid content. As used herein “vascular filling volume” refers to the amount or volume of fluids in the vasculature. As used herein “vascular filling pressure” refers to the pressure which is generated by the amount or volume of fluids in the vasculature. As used herein the terms “vascular filling volume” and “vascular filling pressure” may be used interchangeably. Symptoms of fluid build-up in general and an increased vascular filling volume and/or pressure include edema. As used herein, “edema” refers to extravascular fluid build-up or retention, as caused by an increased vascular filling volume or pressure. According to the invention, fluid build-up, an increased vascular filling volume and/or pressure and edema may be caused by (acute) heart failure, systolic dysfunction, kidney dysfunction or any pathophysiological mechanism known in the art to cause such fluid imbalance or abnormal fluid homeostasis.

The term “chronic heart failure” (CHF) generally refers to a case of heart failure that progresses so slowly that various compensatory mechanisms work to bring the disease into equilibrium. Common clinical symptoms of CHF include inter alia any one or more of breathlessness, diminishing exercise capacity, fatigue, lethargy and peripheral oedema. Other less common symptoms include any one or more of palpitations, memory or sleep disturbance and confusion, and usually co-occur with one or more of the above recited common symptoms.

In studies such as the present one, CHF population may differ from the AHF population in that CHF patients do not have an acute decompensation and hence do not represent themselves to the ED at the time the clinical sample used in such a study or research is taken. Chronic heart failure patients may, however, easily decompensate leading to “acute heart failure”.

In studies such as the present one, a population of dyspneic patients without heart failure may comprise for example patients who present themselves to the ED with similar symptoms as AHF population but where the cause of dyspnea is unrelated to acute decompensated heart failure. Typical examples are COPD or pneumonia patients. Such patients may or may not have underlying heart failure history, which may particularly complicate the final diagnosis using conventional diagnostic means such as BNP or NT-pro-BNP measurements.

The terms “predicting” or “prediction”, “diagnosing” or “diagnosis” and “prognosticating” or “prognosis” are commonplace and well-understood in medical and clinical practice. By means of further explanation and without limitation, “predicting” or “prediction” generally refer to an advance declaration, indication or foretelling of a disease or condition in a subject not (yet) having said disease or condition. For example, a prediction of a disease or condition in a subject may indicate a probability, chance or risk that the subject will develop said disease or condition, for example within a certain time period or by a certain age. Said probability, chance or risk may be indicated inter alia as an absolute value, range or statistics, or may be indicated relative to a suitable control subject or subject population (such as, e.g., relative to a general, normal or healthy subject or subject population). Hence, the probability, chance or risk that a subject will develop a disease or condition may be advantageously indicated as increased or decreased, or as fold-increased or fold-decreased relative to a suitable control subject or subject population.

As used herein, the term “prediction of AHF” in a subject may also particularly mean that the subject has a ‘positive’ prediction of AHF, i.e., that the subject is at risk of having AHF (e.g., the risk is significantly increased vis-à-vis a control subject or subject population). The term “prediction of no AHF” in a subject may particularly mean that the subject has a ‘negative’ prediction of AHF, i.e., that the subject's risk of having AHF is not significantly increased vis-à-vis a control subject or subject population.

The terms “diagnosing” or “diagnosis” generally refer to the process or act of recognising, deciding on or concluding on a disease or condition in a subject on the basis of symptoms and signs and/or from results of various diagnostic procedures (such as, for example, from knowing the presence, absence and/or quantity of one or more biomarkers characteristic of the diagnosed disease or condition).

As used herein, “diagnosis of AHF” in a subject may particularly mean that the subject has AHF, hence, is diagnosed as having AHF. “Diagnosis of no AHF” in a subject may particularly mean that the subject does not have AHF, hence, is diagnosed as not having AHF. A subject may be diagnosed as taught herein as not having AHF despite displaying one or more conventional symptoms or signs reminiscent of AHF.

The terms “prognosticating” or “prognosis” generally refer to an anticipation on the progression of a disease or condition and the prospect (e.g., the probability, duration, and/or extent) of recovery.

A good prognosis of AHF may generally encompass anticipation of a satisfactory partial or complete recovery from AHF, preferably within an acceptable time period. A good prognosis of AHF may more commonly encompass anticipation of not further worsening or aggravating of the heart failure condition, preferably within a given time period.

A poor prognosis of AHF may generally encompass anticipation of a substandard recovery and/or unsatisfactorily slow recovery, or to substantially no recovery or even further worsening of AHF.

The various aspects and embodiments taught herein may rely on measuring the quantity of MCAM, and optionally measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other relevant biomarkers, such as preferably BNP, proBNP, NTproBNP and/or fragments of any one thereof, in a sample from a subject.

The term “subject” or “patient” as used herein typically denotes humans, but may also encompass reference to non-human animals, preferably warm-blooded animals, more preferably mammals, such as, e.g., non-human primates, rodents, canines, felines, equines, ovines, porcines, and the like.

The terms “sample” or “biological sample” as used herein include any biological specimen obtained from a subject. Samples may include, without limitation, whole blood, plasma, serum, red blood cells, white blood cells (e.g., peripheral blood mononuclear cells), saliva, urine, stool (i.e., faeces), tears, sweat, sebum, nipple aspirate, ductal lavage, tumour exudates, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, fine needle aspirate, amniotic fluid, any other bodily fluid, cell lysates, cellular secretion products, inflammation fluid, semen and vaginal secretions. Preferred samples may include ones comprising MCAM in detectable quantities. In preferred embodiments, the sample may be whole blood or a fractional component thereof such as, e.g., plasma, serum, or a cell pellet. Preferably the sample is readily obtainable by minimally invasive methods. Samples may also include tissue samples and biopsies, tissue homogenates and the like. Preferably, the sample used to detect MCAM levels is blood plasma. The term “plasma” defines the colorless watery fluid of the blood that contains no cells, but in which the blood cells (erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes, etc.) are suspended, containing nutrients, sugars, proteins, minerals, enzymes, etc.

A molecule or analyte such as a protein, polypeptide or peptide, or a group of two or more molecules or analytes such as two or more proteins, polypeptides or peptides, is “measured” in a sample when the presence or absence and/or quantity of said molecule or analyte or of said group of molecules or analytes is detected or determined in the sample, preferably substantially to the exclusion of other molecules and analytes.

The terms “quantity”, “amount” and “level” are synonymous and generally well-understood in the art. The terms as used herein may particularly refer to an absolute quantification of a molecule or an analyte in a sample, or to a relative quantification of a molecule or analyte in a sample, i.e., relative to another value such as relative to a reference value as taught herein, or to a range of values indicating a base-line expression of the biomarker. These values or ranges can be obtained from a single patient or from a group of patients.

An absolute quantity of a molecule or analyte in a sample may be advantageously expressed as weight or as molar amount, or more commonly as a concentration, e.g., weight per volume or mol per volume.

A relative quantity of a molecule or analyte in a sample may be advantageously expressed as an increase or decrease or as a fold-increase or fold-decrease relative to said another value, such as relative to a reference value as taught herein. Performing a relative comparison between first and second parameters (e.g., first and second quantities) may but need not require to first determine the absolute values of said first and second parameters. For example, a measurement method can produce quantifiable readouts (such as, e.g., signal intensities) for said first and second parameters, wherein said readouts are a function of the value of said parameters, and wherein said readouts can be directly compared to produce a relative value for the first parameter vs. the second parameter, without the actual need to first convert the readouts to absolute values of the respective parameters.

As used herein, the term “MCAM” corresponds to the protein commonly known as Melanoma Cell Adhesion Molecule (MCAM), MUC18 or CD146, i.e. the proteins and polypeptides commonly known under these designations in the art. The terms encompass such proteins and polypeptides of any organism where found, and particularly of animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, including humans and non-human mammals, even more preferably of humans. The terms particularly encompass such proteins and polypeptides with a native sequence, i.e., ones of which the primary sequence is the same as that of MCAM found in or derived from nature. A skilled person understands that native sequences of MCAM may differ between different species due to genetic divergence between such species. Moreover, the native sequences of MCAM may differ between or within different individuals of the same species due to normal genetic diversity (variation) within a given species. Also, the native sequences of MCAM may differ between or even within different individuals of the same species due to post-transcriptional or post-translational modifications. Accordingly, all MCAM sequences found in or derived from nature are considered “native”. The terms encompass MCAM proteins and polypeptides when forming a part of a living organism, organ, tissue or cell, when forming a part of a biological sample, as well as when at least partly isolated from such sources. The terms also encompass proteins and polypeptides when produced by recombinant or synthetic means.

Exemplary MCAM includes, without limitation, human MCAM having primary amino acid sequence as annotated under Uniprot/Swissprot (http://www.expasy.org/) accession number NP_(—)006491 as shown in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1). A skilled person can also appreciate that said sequences are of precursor of MCAM and may include parts which are processed away from mature MCAM. For example, the MCAM protein can be in a soluble form or can be attached to the cell membrane. In FIG. 1, the signal peptide and transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are indicated in small caps in the amino acid sequence. Also indicated is the selected MASSterclass quantified peptide (pept25—bold, underlined: SEQ ID NO.2). This MASSterclass peptide can quantify both the full length and cleaved soluble form of MCAM, although due to the experimental set-up only the plasma circulating fraction (i.e. the non-cell bound fraction) is measured.

The MCAM protein is specific for endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and has been used as a tool for sorting endothelial cells out of a population of blood cells, based on the membrane bound form of CD146. MCAM belongs to the immunoglobulin supergene family with five immunoglobulin like domains (V-V-C2-C2-C2), a transmembrane region and a 63 residue cytoplasmic tail. It is a membrane glycoprotein that functions as a Ca2+ independent cell adhesion molecule involved in heterophilic cell to cell interactions. The protein has a molecular size of 130 kDa in its reduced form (118 kDa unreduced), and N linked glycosylation accounts for fifty percent of the apparent molecular weight. Soluble CD146 is released by ectodomain shedding (through the action of MMPs). Increased plasma levels of soluble CD146 was observed in patients with chronic renal failure (Healthy serum levels: ˜270 ng/ml; renal failure patients: ˜500 ng/ml) as discussed in Saito et al., 2008 (Clin Exp Nephrol. 2008 February; 12(1):58-64. Epub 2008 Jan. 5). On the other hand, decreased serum levels of sCD146 (soluble CD146) were observed in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease, while the membrane bound CD146 expression is increased in active IBD (Bardin et al., Inflamm. Bowel Dis. 2006 January; 12(1):16-21 and Reumaux et al., Inflamm. Bowel Dis. 2007 October; 13(10):1315-7). The latter two publications indicate that there is a clear difference in correlation between the condition of the patient and the levels of 1) the soluble MCAM and 2) the cell- or membrane-bound form(s) of MCAM. In a preferred embodiment of the methods, kits and devices of present invention as defined herein, the circulating MCAM protein, e.g. the form circulating in the blood plasma, is detected, as opposed to the membrane- or cell-bound MCAM protein (e.g. MCAM present on the endothelial cell surface).

MCAM has been known as an endothelial cell injury marker, but has not been shown to be useful to distinguish between AHF and dyspnea in non-AHF patients. Furthermore, the MCAM marker is often used as a tool for sorting endothelial cells, implying the membrane bound (full-length) protein is used (cf. e.g. WO2006/020936).

The reference herein to MCAM may also encompass fragments of MCAM. Hence, the reference herein to measuring MCAM, or to measuring the quantity of MCAM, may encompass measuring the MCAM protein or polypeptide, such as, e.g., measuring the mature and/or the MMP-processed soluble form (shortly called “soluble form” hereinafter) of MCAM and/or measuring one or more fragments thereof. For example, MCAM and/or one or more fragments thereof may be measured collectively, such that the measured quantity corresponds to the sum amounts of the collectively measured species. In another example, MCAM and/or one or more fragments thereof may be measured each individually. Preferably, said fragment of MCAM is a plasma circulating form of MCAM.

The expression “plasma circulating form of MCAM” or shortly “circulating form” encompasses all MCAM proteins or fragments thereof that circulate in the plasma, i.e. are not cell- or membrane bound. Without wanting to be bound by any theory, such circulating forms can be derived from the full-length MCAM protein through natural processing (e.g. MMP-cleavage into its “soluble form” as indicated above), or can be resulting from known degradation processes occurring in said sample. In certain situations, the circulating form can also be the full-length MCAM protein, which is found to be circulating in the plasma. Said “circulating form” can thus be any MCAM protein or any processed soluble form of MCAM or fragments of either one, that is circulating in the sample, i.e. which is not bound to a cell- or membrane fraction of said sample.

As used herein, the terms “pro-B-type natriuretic peptide” (also abbreviated as “proBNP”) and “amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide” (also abbreviated as “NTproBNP”) and “B-type natriuretic peptide” (also abbreviated as “BNP”) refer to peptides commonly known under these designations in the art. As further explanation and without limitation, in vivo proBNP, NTproBNP and BNP derive from natriuretic peptide precursor B preproprotein (preproBNP). In particular, proBNP peptide corresponds to the portion of preproBNP after removal of the N-terminal secretion signal (leader) sequence from preproBNP. NTproBNP corresponds to the N-terminal portion and BNP corresponds to the C-terminal portion of the proBNP peptide subsequent to cleavage of the latter C-terminally adjacent to amino acid 76 of proBNP. The terms encompass such peptides from any organism where found, and particularly from animals, preferably vertebrates, more preferably mammals, including humans and non-human mammals, even more preferably from humans.

The designations proBNP, NTproBNP and BNP as used herein particularly refer to such peptides with a native sequence, i.e., peptides of which the primary sequence is the same as that of respectively proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP found in or derived from nature. A skilled person understands that native sequences of proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP may differ between different species due to genetic divergence between such species. Moreover, the native sequences of proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP may differ between or even within different individuals of the same species due to normal genetic diversity (variation) within a given species. Also, the native sequences of proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP may differ between or even within different individuals of the same species due to post-transcriptional or post-translational modifications. Accordingly, all proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP sequences found in or derived from nature are considered “native”.

The designations proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP as used herein encompass the respective peptides when forming a part of a living organism, organ, tissue or cell, when forming a part of a biological sample, as well as when at least partly isolated from such sources. The terms also encompass the respective peptides when produced by recombinant or synthetic means.

Exemplary human proBNP peptide includes without limitation the peptide from amino acid position 27 to position 134 of the natriuretic peptide precursor B preproprotein sequence as annotated under the NIH Entrez Protein (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=protein) accession number NP_(—)002512 (version NP_(—)002512.1 revised Jan. 25, 2009).

The sequence of NP_(—)002512 is shown in FIG. 3A (SEQ ID NO: 3) and the exemplary sequence of proBNP from NP_(—)002512 is shown in FIG. 3B (SEQ ID NO: 4). Exemplary human NTproBNP peptide includes without limitation the peptide from amino acid position 27 to position 102 of the natriuretic peptide precursor B preproprotein sequence as annotated under said NIH Entrez Protein accession number NP_(—)002512. The exemplary sequence of NTproBNP from NP_(—)002512 is shown in FIG. 3C (SEQ ID NO: 5). Exemplary human BNP peptide includes without limitation the peptide from amino acid position 103 to position 134 of the natriuretic peptide precursor B preproprotein sequence as annotated under said NIH Entrez Protein accession number NP_(—)002512. The exemplary sequence of BNP from NP_(—)002512 is shown in FIG. 3D (SEQ ID NO: 6). See also Sudoh et al. 1989 (Biochem Biophys Res Commun 159: 1427-1434) for further exemplification of human preproBNP-derived peptides, including proBNP, NTproBNP and BNP. See also Maisel et al. 2008 (Eur J Heart Fail 10(9): 824-39) and Miller et al. 2007 (Biomarkers Med 1(4): 503-512) on using natriuretic peptide levels in clinical practice.

The reference herein to proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP may also encompass fragments of any one of proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP. Hence, the reference herein to measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP, may encompass measuring the proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP peptides and/or measuring one or more fragments of any one of the proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP peptides. For example, the proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP peptides and/or one or more fragments of any one thereof may be measured collectively, such that the measured quantity corresponds to the sum amount of the collectively measured species. In another example, the proBNP, NTproBNP and/or BNP peptides and/or one or more fragments of any one thereof may be measured each individually.

Further, unless otherwise apparent from the context, reference herein to any protein, polypeptide or peptide (such as, e.g., MCAM, proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP) and fragments thereof may generally also encompass modified forms of said protein, polypeptide or peptide and fragments such as bearing post-expression modifications including, for example, phosphorylation, glycosylation, lipidation, methylation, cysteinylation, sulphonation, glutathionylation, acetylation, oxidation of methionine to methionine sulphoxide or methionine sulphone, and the like.

In an embodiment, MCAM and fragments thereof, or proBNP, NTproBNP, BNP and fragments thereof may be human, i.e., their primary sequence may be the same as a corresponding primary sequence of or present in a naturally occurring human MCAM and fragments thereof, or proBNP, NTproBNP, BNP and fragments thereof. Hence, the qualifier “human” in this connection relates to the primary sequence of the respective proteins, polypeptides, peptides or fragments, rather than to their origin or source. For example, such proteins, polypeptides, peptides or fragments may be present in or isolated from samples of human subjects or may be obtained by other means (e.g., by recombinant expression, cell-free translation or non-biological peptide synthesis).

The term “fragment” of a protein, polypeptide or peptide generally refers to N-terminally and/or C-terminally deleted or truncated forms of said protein, polypeptide or peptide. The term encompasses fragments arising by any mechanism, such as, without limitation, by alternative translation, exo- and/or endo-proteolysis and/or degradation of said protein or polypeptide, such as, for example, in vivo or in vitro, such as, for example, by physical, chemical and/or enzymatic proteolysis. Without limitation, a fragment of a protein, polypeptide or peptide may represent at least about 5%, or at least about 10%, e.g., ≧20%, ≧30% or ≧40%, such as ≧50%, e.g., ≧60%, ≧70% or ≧80%, or even ≧90% or ≧95% of the amino acid sequence of said protein, polypeptide or peptide.

For example, a fragment of MCAM may include a sequence of ≧5 consecutive amino acids, or ≧10 consecutive amino acids, or ≧20 consecutive amino acids, or ≧30 consecutive amino acids, e.g., ≧40 consecutive amino acids, such as for example ≧50 consecutive amino acids, e.g., ≧60, ≧70, ≧80, ≧90, ≧100, ≧200, ≧300, ≧400, ≧500 or 600 consecutive amino acids of MCAM.

In an embodiment, a fragment of MCAM may be N-terminally and/or C-terminally truncated by between 1 and about 20 amino acids, such as, e.g., by between 1 and about 15 amino acids, or by between 1 and about 10 amino acids, or by between 1 and about 5 amino acids, compared to mature, full-length MCAM (SEQ ID NO.1) or its soluble form (cf. FIG. 1).

In an embodiment, a fragment of proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP may be N-terminally and/or C-terminally truncated by between 1 and about 20 amino acids, such as, e.g., by between 1 and about 15 amino acids, or by between 1 and about 10 amino acids, or by between 1 and about 5 amino acids, compared to proBNP, NTproBNP or BNP. By means of example, proBNP, NTproBNP and BNP fragments useful as biomarkers are disclosed in WO 2004/094460.

In an embodiment, fragments of a given protein, polypeptide or peptide may be achieved by in vitro proteolysis of said protein, polypeptide or peptide to obtain advantageously detectable peptide(s) from a sample.

For example, such proteolysis may be effected by suitable physical, chemical and/or enzymatic agents, e.g., proteinases, preferably endoproteinases, i.e., protease cleaving internally within a protein, polypeptide or peptide chain. A non-limiting list of suitable endoproteinases includes serine proteinases (EC 3.4.21), threonine proteinases (EC 3.4.25), cysteine proteinases (EC 3.4.22), aspartic acid proteinases (EC 3.4.23), metalloproteinases (EC 3.4.24) and glutamic acid proteinases.

Exemplary non-limiting endoproteinases include trypsin, chymotrypsin, elastase, Lysobacter enzymogenes endoproteinase Lys-C, Staphylococcus aureus endoproteinase Glu-C (endopeptidase V8) or Clostridium histolyticum endoproteinase Arg-C (clostripain). Further known or yet to be identified enzymes may be used; a skilled person can choose suitable protease(s) on the basis of their cleavage specificity and frequency to achieve desired peptide forms.

Preferably, the proteolysis may be effected by endopeptidases of the trypsin type (EC 3.4.21.4), preferably trypsin, such as, without limitation, preparations of trypsin from bovine pancreas, human pancreas, porcine pancreas, recombinant trypsin, Lys-acetylated trypsin, trypsin in solution, trypsin immobilised to a solid support, etc. Trypsin is particularly useful, inter alia due to high specificity and efficiency of cleavage. The invention also contemplates the use of any trypsin-like protease, i.e., with a similar specificity to that of trypsin.

Otherwise, chemical reagents may be used for proteolysis. For example, CNBr can cleave at Met; BNPS-skatole can cleave at Trp.

The conditions for treatment, e.g., protein concentration, enzyme or chemical reagent concentration, pH, buffer, temperature, time, can be determined by the skilled person depending on the enzyme or chemical reagent employed.

Hence, in an aspect the invention also provides an isolated fragment of MCAM as defined here above. Such fragments may give useful information about the presence and quantity of MCAM in biological samples, whereby the detection of said fragments is of interest. Hence, the herein disclosed fragments of MCAM are useful biomarkers.

The term “isolated” with reference to a particular component (such as for instance, a protein, polypeptide, peptide or fragment thereof) generally denotes that such component exists in separation from—for example, has been separated from or prepared in separation from—one or more other components of its natural environment. For instance, an isolated human or animal protein, polypeptide, peptide or fragment exists in separation from a human or animal body where it occurs naturally.

The term “isolated” as used herein may preferably also encompass the qualifier “purified”. As used herein, the term “purified” with reference to protein(s), polypeptide(s), peptide(s) and/or fragment(s) thereof does not require absolute purity. Instead, it denotes that such protein(s), polypeptide(s), peptide(s) and/or fragment(s) is (are) in a discrete environment in which their abundance (conveniently expressed in terms of mass or weight or concentration) relative to other proteins is greater than in a biological sample. A discrete environment denotes a single medium, such as for example a single solution, gel, precipitate, lyophilisate, etc. Purified peptides, polypeptides or fragments may be obtained by known methods including, for example, laboratory or recombinant synthesis, chromatography, preparative electrophoresis, centrifugation, precipitation, affinity purification, etc.

Purified protein(s), polypeptide(s), peptide(s) and/or fragment(s) may preferably constitute by weight ≧10%, more preferably ≧50%, such as ≧60%, yet more preferably ≧70%, such as 80%, and still more preferably ≧90%, such as ≧95%, ≧96%, ≧97%, ≧98%, ≧99% or even ≧100%, of the protein content of the discrete environment. Protein content may be determined, e.g., by the Lowry method (Lowry et al. 1951. J Biol Chem 193: 265), optionally as described by Hartree 1972 (Anal Biochem 48: 422-427). Also, purity of peptides or polypeptides may be determined by SDS-PAGE under reducing or non-reducing conditions using Coomassie blue or, preferably, silver stain.

A further embodiment provides isolated MCAM or fragments of MCAM as taught herein comprising a detectable label. This facilitates ready detection of such fragments. The term “label” as used throughout this specification refers to any atom, molecule, moiety or biomolecule that can be used to provide a detectable and preferably quantifiable read-out or property, and that can be attached to or made part of an entity of interest, such as a peptide or polypeptide or a specific-binding agent. Labels may be suitably detectable by mass spectrometric, spectroscopic, optical, colorimetric, magnetic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical or chemical means. Labels include without limitation dyes; radiolabels such as ³²P, ³³P, ³⁵S, ¹²⁵I, ¹³¹I; electron-dense reagents; enzymes (e.g., horse-radish peroxidase or alkaline phosphatase as commonly used in immunoassays); binding moieties such as biotin-streptavidin; haptens such as digoxigenin; luminogenic, phosphorescent or fluorogenic moieties; mass tags; and fluorescent dyes alone or in combination with moieties that can suppress or shift emission spectra by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

In an embodiment, the isolated MCAM or fragments of MCAM as taught herein may be labelled by a mass-altering label. Preferably, a mass-altering label may involve the presence of a distinct stable isotope in one or more amino acids of the peptide vis-à-vis its corresponding non-labelled peptide. Mass-labelled peptides are particularly useful as positive controls, standards and calibrators in mass spectrometry applications. In particular, peptides including one or more distinct isotopes are chemically alike, separate chromatographically and electrophoretically in the same manner and also ionise and fragment in the same way. However, in a suitable mass analyser such peptides and optionally select fragmentation ions thereof will display distinguishable m/z ratios and can thus be discriminated. Examples of pairs of distinguishable stable isotopes include H and D, ¹²C and ¹³C, ¹⁴N and ¹⁵N or ¹⁶O and ¹⁸O. Usually, peptides and proteins of biological samples analysed in the present invention may substantially only contain common isotopes having high prevalence in nature, such as for example H, ¹²C, ¹⁴N and ¹⁶O. In such case, the mass-labelled peptide may be labelled with one or more uncommon isotopes having low prevalence in nature, such as for instance D, ¹³C, ¹⁵N and/or ¹⁸O. It is also conceivable that in cases where the peptides or proteins of a biological sample would include one or more uncommon isotopes, the mass-labelled peptide may comprise the respective common isotope(s). Isotopically-labelled synthetic peptides may be obtained inter alia by synthesising or recombinantly producing such peptides using one or more isotopically-labelled amino acid substrates, or by chemically or enzymatically modifying unlabelled peptides to introduce thereto one or more distinct isotopes. By means of example and not limitation, D-labelled peptides may be synthesised or recombinantly produced in the presence of commercially available deuterated L-methionine CH₃—S—CD₂CD₂CH(NH₂)—COOH or deuterated arginine H₂NC(═NH)—NH—(CD₂)₃-CD(NH₂)—COOH. It shall be appreciated that any amino acid of which deuterated or ¹⁵N- or ¹³C-containing forms exist may be considered for synthesis or recombinant production of labelled peptides. In another non-limiting example, a peptide may be treated with trypsin in H₂ ¹⁶O or H₂ ¹⁸O, leading to incorporation of two oxygens (¹⁶O or ¹⁸O, respectively) at the COOH-termini of said peptide (e.g., US 2006/105415).

Accordingly, also contemplated is the use of MCAM and isolated fragments of MCAM as taught herein, optionally comprising a detectable label, as (positive) controls, standards or calibators in qualitative or quantitative detection assays (measurement methods) of MCAM, and particularly in such methods for predicting, diagnosing and/or prognosticating AHF in subjects as taught herein. The proteins, polypeptides or peptides may be supplied in any form, inter alia as precipitate, vacuum-dried, lyophilisate, in solution as liquid or frozen, or covalently or non-covalently immobilised on solid phase, such as for example, on solid chromatographic matrix or on glass or plastic or other suitable surfaces (e.g., as a part of peptide arrays and microarrays). The peptides may be readily prepared, for example, isolated from natural sources, or prepared recombinantly or synthetically.

Also provided are binding agents capable of specifically binding to any one or more of the isolated fragments of MCAM as taught herein. Further provided are binding agents capable of specifically binding to only one of the isolated fragments of MCAM as taught herein. Such binding agents may include inter alia an antibody, aptamer, photoaptamer, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic or a small molecule.

In a preferred embodiment, said binding agent is capable of binding both the membrane-bound and plasma circulating forms of MCAM. Preferably, said binding agent is capable of specifically binding or detecting the plasma circulating form of MCAM.

The term “specifically bind” as used throughout this specification means that an agent (denoted herein also as “specific-binding agent”) binds to one or more desired molecules or analytes, such as to one or more proteins, polypeptides or peptides of interest or fragments thereof substantially to the exclusion of other molecules which are random or unrelated, and optionally substantially to the exclusion of other molecules that are structurally related.

The term “specifically bind” does not necessarily require that an agent binds exclusively to its intended target(s). For example, an agent may be said to specifically bind to protein(s) polypeptide(s), peptide(s) and/or fragment(s) thereof of interest if its affinity for such intended target(s) under the conditions of binding is at least about 2-fold greater, preferably at least about 5-fold greater, more preferably at least about 10-fold greater, yet more preferably at least about 25-fold greater, still more preferably at least about 50-fold greater, and even more preferably at least about 100-fold or more greater, than its affinity for a non-target molecule.

Preferably, the agent may bind to its intended target(s) with affinity constant (K_(A)) of such binding K_(A)≧1×10⁶ M⁻¹, more preferably K_(A)≧1×10⁷ M⁻¹, yet more preferably K_(A)≧1×10⁸ M⁻¹, even more preferably K_(A)≧1×10⁹ M⁻¹, and still more preferably K_(A)≧1×10¹⁰ M⁻¹ or K_(A)≧1×10¹¹ M⁻¹, wherein K_(A)=[SBA_T]/[SBA][T], SBA denotes the specific-binding agent, T denotes the intended target. Determination of K_(A) can be carried out by methods known in the art, such as for example, using equilibrium dialysis and Scatchard plot analysis.

Specific binding agents as used throughout this specification may include inter alia an antibody, aptamer, photoaptamer, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic or a small molecule.

As used herein, the term “antibody” is used in its broadest sense and generally refers to any immunologic binding agent. The term specifically encompasses intact monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multivalent (e.g., 2-, 3- or more-valent) and/or multi-specific antibodies (e.g., bi- or more-specific antibodies) formed from at least two intact antibodies, and antibody fragments insofar they exhibit the desired biological activity (particularly, ability to specifically bind an antigen of interest), as well as multivalent and/or multi-specific composites of such fragments. The term “antibody” is not only inclusive of antibodies generated by methods comprising immunisation, but also includes any polypeptide, e.g., a recombinantly expressed polypeptide, which is made to encompass at least one complementarity-determining region (CDR) capable of specifically binding to an epitope on an antigen of interest. Hence, the term applies to such molecules regardless whether they are produced in vitro or in vivo.

In an embodiment, an antibody may be any of IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM classes, and preferably IgG class antibody.

In an embodiment, the antibody may be a polyclonal antibody, e.g., an antiserum or immunoglobulins purified there from (e.g., affinity-purified).

In another preferred embodiment, the antibody may be a monoclonal antibody or a mixture of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies can target a particular antigen or a particular epitope within an antigen with greater selectivity and reproducibility.

By means of example and not limitation, monoclonal antibodies may be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al. 1975 (Nature 256: 495), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (e.g., as in U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567). Monoclonal antibodies may also be isolated from phage antibody libraries using techniques as described by Clackson et al. 1991 (Nature 352: 624-628) and Marks et al. 1991 (J Mol Biol 222: 581-597), for example.

In further embodiments, the antibody binding agents may be antibody fragments. “Antibody fragments” comprise a portion of an intact antibody, comprising the antigen-binding or variable region thereof. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab′)2, Fv and scFv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules; and multivalent and/or multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragment(s), e.g., dibodies, tribodies, and multibodies. The above designations Fab, Fab', F(ab′)2, Fv, scFv etc. are intended to have their art-established meaning.

The term antibody includes antibodies originating from or comprising one or more portions derived from any animal species, preferably vertebrate species, including, e.g., birds and mammals. Without limitation, the antibodies may be chicken, turkey, goose, duck, guinea fowl, quail or pheasant. Also without limitation, the antibodies may be human, murine (e.g., mouse, rat, etc.), donkey, rabbit, goat, sheep, guinea pig, camel (e.g., Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromaderius), llama (e.g., Lama paccos, Lama glama or Lama vicugna) or horse.

A skilled person will understand that an antibody can include one or more amino acid deletions, additions and/or substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insofar such alterations preserve its binding of the respective antigen. An antibody may also include one or more native or artificial modifications of its constituent amino acid residues (e.g., glycosylation, etc.).

Methods of producing polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as well as fragments thereof are well known in the art, as are methods to produce recombinant antibodies or fragments thereof (see for example, Harlow and Lane, “Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, New York, 1988; Harlow and Lane, “Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, New York, 1999, ISBN 0879695447; “Monoclonal Antibodies: A Manual of Techniques”, by Zola, ed., CRC Press 1987, ISBN 0849364760; “Monoclonal Antibodies: A Practical Approach”, by Dean & Shepherd, eds., Oxford University Press 2000, ISBN 0199637229; Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 248: “Antibody Engineering: Methods and Protocols”, Lo, ed., Humana Press 2004, ISBN 1588290921).

The term “aptamer” refers to single-stranded or double-stranded oligo-DNA, oligo-RNA or oligo-DNA/RNA or any analogue thereof, that can specifically bind to a target molecule such as a peptide. Advantageously, aptamers can display fairly high specificity and affinity (e.g., K_(A) in the order 1×10⁹ M⁻¹) for their targets. Aptamer production is described inter alia in U.S. Pat. No. 5,270,163; Ellington & Szostak 1990 (Nature 346: 818-822); Tuerk & Gold 1990 (Science 249: 505-510); or “The Aptamer Handbook: Functional Oligonucleotides and Their Applications”, by Klussmann, ed., Wiley-VCH 2006, ISBN 3527310592, incorporated by reference herein. The term “photoaptamer” refers to an aptamer that contains one or more photoreactive functional groups that can covalently bind to or crosslink with a target molecule. The term “peptidomimetic” refers to a non-peptide agent that is a topological analogue of a corresponding peptide. Methods of rationally designing peptidomimetics of peptides are known in the art. For example, the rational design of three peptidomimetics based on the sulphated 8-mer peptide CCK26-33, and of two peptidomimetics based on the 11-mer peptide Substance P, and related peptidomimetic design principles, are described in Norwell 1995 (Trends Biotechnol 13: 132-134).

The term “small molecule” refers to compounds, preferably organic compounds, with a size comparable to those organic molecules generally used in pharmaceuticals. The term excludes biological macromolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, etc.). Preferred small organic molecules range in size up to about 5000 Da, e.g., up to about 4000, preferably up to 3000 Da, more preferably up to 2000 Da, even more preferably up to about 1000 Da, e.g., up to about 900, 800, 700, 600 or up to about 500 Da.

Also provided are methods for immunising animals, e.g., non-human animals such as laboratory or farm, animals using (i.e., using as the immunising antigen) the herein taught fragments of MCAM, optionally attached to a presenting carrier. Immunisation and preparation of antibody reagents from immune sera is well-known per se and described in documents referred to elsewhere in this specification. The animals to be immunised may include any animal species, preferably warm-blooded species, more preferably vertebrate species, including, e.g., birds and mammals. Without limitation, the antibodies may be chicken, turkey, goose, duck, guinea fowl, quail or pheasant. Also without limitation, the antibodies may be human, murine (e.g., mouse, rat, etc.), donkey, rabbit, goat, sheep, guinea pig, camel, llama or horse.

The term “presenting carrier” or “carrier” generally denotes an immunogenic molecule which, when bound to a second molecule, augments immune responses to the latter, usually through the provision of additional T cell epitopes. The presenting carrier may be a (poly)peptidic structure or a non-peptidic structure, such as inter alia glycans, polyethylene glycols, peptide mimetics, synthetic polymers, etc. Exemplary non-limiting carriers include human Hepatitis B virus core protein, multiple C3d domains, tetanus toxin fragment C or yeast Ty particles.

Immune sera obtained or obtainable by immunisation as taught herein may be particularly useful for generating antibody reagents that specifically bind to one or more of the herein disclosed fragments of MCAM.

The invention also teaches a method for selecting specific-binding agents which bind (a) one or more of the MCAM fragments taught herein, substantially to the exclusion of (b) MCAM and/or other fragments thereof. Conveniently, such methods may be based on subtracting or removing binding agents which cross-react or cross-bind the non-desired MCAM molecules under (b). Such subtraction may be readily performed as known in the art by a variety of affinity separation methods, such as affinity chromatography, affinity solid phase extraction, affinity magnetic extraction, etc.

Any existing, available or conventional separation, detection and quantification methods can be used herein to measure the presence or absence (e.g., readout being present vs. absent; or detectable amount vs. undetectable amount) and/or quantity (e.g., readout being an absolute or relative quantity, such as, for example, absolute or relative concentration) of MCAM and/or fragments thereof and optionally of the one or more biomarkers useful for AHF in samples (any molecules or analytes of interest to be so-measured in samples, including MCAM and fragments thereof, may be herein below referred to collectively as biomarkers).

For example, such methods may include immunoassay methods, mass spectrometry analysis methods, or chromatography methods, or combinations thereof.

The term “immunoassay” generally refers to methods known as such for detecting one or more molecules or analytes of interest in a sample, wherein specificity of an immunoassay for the molecule(s) or analyte(s) of interest is conferred by specific binding between a specific-binding agent, commonly an antibody, and the molecule(s) or analyte(s) of interest.

Immunoassay technologies include without limitation direct ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, competitive ELISA, multiplex ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA), ELISPOT technologies, and other similar techniques known in the art. Principles of these immunoassay methods are known in the art, for example John R. Crowther, “The ELISA Guidebook”, 1st ed., Humana Press 2000, ISBN 0896037282.

By means of further explanation and not limitation, direct ELISA employs a labelled primary antibody to bind to and thereby quantify target antigen in a sample immobilised on a solid support such as a microwell plate. Indirect ELISA uses a non-labelled primary antibody which binds to the target antigen and a secondary labelled antibody that recognises and allows to quantify the antigen-bound primary antibody. In sandwich ELISA the target antigen is captured from a sample using an immobilised ‘capture’ antibody which binds to one antigenic site within the antigen, and subsequent to removal of non-bound analytes the so-captured antigen is detected using a ‘detection’ antibody which binds to another antigenic site within said antigen, where the detection antibody may be directly labelled or indirectly detectable as above. Competitive ELISA uses a labelled ‘competitor’ that may either be the primary antibody or the target antigen. In an example, non-labelled immobilised primary antibody is incubated with a sample, this reaction is allowed to reach equilibrium, and then labelled target antigen is added. The latter will bind to the primary antibody wherever its binding sites are not yet occupied by non-labelled target antigen from the sample. Thus, the detected amount of bound labelled antigen inversely correlates with the amount of non-labelled antigen in the sample. Multiplex ELISA allows simultaneous detection of two or more analytes within a single compartment (e.g., microplate well) usually at a plurality of array addresses (see, for example, Nielsen & Geierstanger 2004. J Immunol Methods 290: 107-20 and Ling et al. 2007. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 7: 87-98 for further guidance). As appreciated, labelling in ELISA technologies is usually by enzyme (such as, e.g., horse-radish peroxidase) conjugation and the end-point is typically colorimetric, chemiluminescent or fluorescent.

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) is a competition-based technique and involves mixing known quantities of radioactively-labelled (e.g., ¹²⁵I or ¹³¹I-labelled) target antigen with antibody to said antigen, then adding non-labelled or ‘cold’ antigen from a sample and measuring the amount of labelled antigen displaced (see, e.g., “An Introduction to Radioimmunoassay and Related Techniques”, by Chard T, ed., Elsevier Science 1995, ISBN 0444821198 for guidance).

Further, mass spectrometry methods are suitable for measuring biomarkers.

Generally, any mass spectrometric (MS) techniques that can obtain precise information on the mass of peptides, and preferably also on fragmentation and/or (partial) amino acid sequence of selected peptides (e.g., in tandem mass spectrometry, MS/MS; or in post source decay, TOF MS), are useful herein. Suitable peptide MS and MS/MS techniques and systems are well-known per se (see, e.g., Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 146: “Mass Spectrometry of Proteins and Peptides”, by Chapman, ed., Humana Press 2000, ISBN 089603609x; Biemann 1990. Methods Enzymol 193: 455-79; or Methods in Enzymology, vol. 402: “Biological Mass Spectrometry”, by Burlingame, ed., Academic Press 2005, ISBN 9780121828073) and may be used herein.

MS arrangements, instruments and systems suitable for biomarker peptide analysis may include, without limitation, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS; MALDI-TOF post-source-decay (PSD); MALDI-TOF/TOF; surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF) MS; electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS); ESI-MS/MS; ESI-MS/(MS)^(n) (n is an integer greater than zero); ESI 3D or linear (2D) ion trap MS; ESI triple quadrupole MS; ESI quadrupole orthogonal TOF (Q-TOF); ESI Fourier transform MS systems; desorption/ionization on silicon (DIOS); secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS); atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (APCI-MS); APCI-MS/MS; APCI-(MS)“; atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry (APPI-MS); APPI-MS/MS; and APPI-(MS)”. Peptide ion fragmentation in tandem MS (MS/MS) arrangements may be achieved using manners established in the art, such as, e.g., collision induced dissociation (CID).

In an embodiment, detection and quantification of biomarkers by mass spectrometry may involve multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), such as described among others by Kuhn et al. 2004 (Proteomics 4: 1175-86).

In an embodiment, MS peptide analysis methods may be advantageously combined with upstream peptide or protein separation or fractionation methods, such as for example with the chromatographic and other methods described herein below.

Chromatography can also be used for measuring biomarkers. As used herein, the term “chromatography” encompasses methods for separating chemical substances, referred to as such and vastly available in the art. In a preferred approach, chromatography refers to a process in which a mixture of chemical substances (analytes) carried by a moving stream of liquid or gas (“mobile phase”) is separated into components as a result of differential distribution of the analytes, as they flow around or over a stationary liquid or solid phase (“stationary phase”), between said mobile phase and said stationary phase. The stationary phase may be usually a finely divided solid, a sheet of filter material, or a thin film of a liquid on the surface of a solid, or the like. Chromatography is also widely applicable for the separation of chemical compounds of biological origin, such as, e.g., amino acids, proteins, fragments of proteins or peptides, etc.

Chromatography as used herein may be preferably columnar (i.e., wherein the stationary phase is deposited or packed in a column), preferably liquid chromatography, and yet more preferably HPLC. While particulars of chromatography are well known in the art, for further guidance see, e.g., Meyer M., 1998, ISBN: 047198373X, and “Practical HPLC Methodology and Applications”, Bidlingmeyer, B. A., John Wiley & Sons Inc., 1993.

Exemplary types of chromatography include, without limitation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), normal phase HPLC (NP-HPLC), reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC), ion exchange chromatography (IEC), such as cation or anion exchange chromatography, hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) including gel filtration chromatography or gel permeation chromatography, chromatofocusing, affinity chromatography such as immuno-affinity, immobilised metal affinity chromatography, and the like.

In an embodiment, chromatography, including single-, two- or more-dimensional chromatography, may be used as a peptide fractionation method in conjunction with a further peptide analysis method, such as for example, with a downstream mass spectrometry analysis as described elsewhere in this specification.

Further peptide or polypeptide separation, identification or quantification methods may be used, optionally in conjunction with any of the above described analysis methods, for measuring biomarkers in the present disclosure. Such methods include, without limitation, chemical extraction partitioning, isoelectric focusing (IEF) including capillary isoelectric focusing (CIEF), capillary isotachophoresis (CITP), capillary electrochromatography (CEC), and the like, one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE), capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE), capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), free flow electrophoresis (FFE), etc.

The various aspects and embodiments taught herein may further rely on comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in samples with reference values of the quantity of MCAM, wherein said reference values represent known predictions, diagnoses and/or prognoses of AHF.

For example, distinct reference values may represent the prediction of a risk (e.g., an abnormally elevated risk) of having AHF vs. the prediction of no or normal risk of having AHF. In another example, distinct reference values may represent predictions of differing degrees of risk of having AHF.

In a further example, distinct reference values can represent the diagnosis of AHF vs. the diagnosis of no AHF (such as, e.g., the diagnosis of healthy, or recovered from AHF, etc.). In another example, distinct reference values may represent the diagnosis of AHF of varying severity.

In yet another example, distinct reference values may represent a good prognosis for AHF vs. a poor prognosis for AHF. In a further example, distinct reference values may represent varyingly favourable or unfavourable prognoses for AHF.

Such comparison may generally include any means to determine the presence or absence of at least one difference and optionally of the size of such different between values or profiles being compared. A comparison may include a visual inspection, an arithmetical or statistical comparison of measurements. Such statistical comparisons include, but are not limited to, applying a rule. If the values or biomarker profiles comprise at least one standard, the comparison to determine a difference in said values or biomarker profiles may also include measurements of these standards, such that measurements of the biomarker are correlated to measurements of the internal standards.

Reference values for the quantity of MCAM may be established according to known procedures previously employed for other biomarkers.

For example, a reference value of the quantity of MCAM for a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF may be established by determining the quantity of MCAM in sample(s) from one individual or from a population of individuals characterised by said particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF (i.e., for whom said prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF holds true). Such population may comprise without limitation ≧2, ≧10, ≧100, or even several hundreds or more individuals.

Hence, by means of an illustrative example, reference values of the quantity of MCAM for the diagnoses of AHF vs. no AHF may be established by determining the quantity of MCAM in sample(s) from one individual or from a population of individuals diagnosed (e.g., based on other adequately conclusive means, such as, for example, clinical signs and symptoms, imaging, ECG, etc.) as, respectively, having or not having AHF.

In an embodiment, reference value(s) as intended herein may convey absolute quantities of MCAM. In another embodiment, the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a tested subject may be determined directly relative to the reference value (e.g., in terms of increase or decrease, or fold-increase or fold-decrease). Advantageously, this may allow to compare the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject with the reference value (in other words to measure the relative quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject vis-à-vis the reference value) without the need to first determine the respective absolute quantities of MCAM.

The expression level or presence of a biomarker in a sample of a patient may sometimes fluctuate, i.e. increase or decrease significantly without change (appearance of, worsening or improving of) symptoms. In such an event, the marker change precedes the change in symptoms and becomes a more sensitive measure than symptom change. Therapeutic intervention can be initiated earlier and be more effective than waiting for deteriorating symptoms. Symptoms can be (but not limited to): shortness of breath, oedema in lower extremities, heart palpitations, fatigue, etc. Early intervention at a more benign status may be carried out safely at home, which is a major improvement from treating seriously deteriorated patients in the emergency room.

Measuring the MCAM level of the same patient at different time points can in such a case thus enable the continuous monitoring of the status of the patient and can lead to prediction of worsening or improvement of the patient's condition with regard to AHF. A home or clinical test kit or device as indicated herein can be used for this continuous monitoring. One or more reference values or ranges of MCAM levels linked to a certain disease state (e.g. AHF or no AHF) for such a test can e.g. be determined beforehand or during the monitoring process over a certain period of time in said subject. Alternatively, these reference values or ranges can be established through data sets of several patients with highly similar disease phenotypes, e.g. from healthy subjects or subjects not having AHF. A sudden deviation of the MCAM levels from said reference value or range can predict the worsening of the condition of the patient (e.g. at home or in the clinic) before the (often severe) symptoms actually can be felt or observed.

The invention therefore also provides a method or algorithm for determining a significant change in the level of the MCAM marker in a certain patient, which is indicative for change (worsening or improving) in clinical status. In addition, the invention allows establishing the diagnosis that the subject is recovering or has recovered from the AHF condition.

In an embodiment the present methods may include a step of establishing such reference value(s). In an embodiment, the present kits and devices may include means for establishing a reference value of the quantity of MCAM for a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF. Such means may for example comprise one or more samples (e.g., separate or pooled samples) from one or more individuals characterised by said particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF.

The various aspects and embodiments taught herein may further entail finding a deviation or no deviation between the quantity of MCAM measured in a sample from a subject and a given reference value.

A “deviation” of a first value from a second value may generally encompass any direction (e.g., increase: first value>second value; or decrease: first value<second value) and any extent of alteration.

For example, a deviation may encompass a decrease in a first value by, without limitation, at least about 10% (about 0.9-fold or less), or by at least about 20% (about 0.8-fold or less), or by at least about 30% (about 0.7-fold or less), or by at least about 40% (about 0.6-fold or less), or by at least about 50% (about 0.5-fold or less), or by at least about 60% (about 0.4-fold or less), or by at least about 70% (about 0.3-fold or less), or by at least about 80% (about 0.2-fold or less), or by at least about 90% (about 0.1-fold or less), relative to a second value with which a comparison is being made.

For example, a deviation may encompass an increase of a first value by, without limitation, at least about 10% (about 1.1-fold or more), or by at least about 20% (about 1.2-fold or more), or by at least about 30% (about 1.3-fold or more), or by at least about 40% (about 1.4-fold or more), or by at least about 50% (about 1.5-fold or more), or by at least about 60% (about 1.6-fold or more), or by at least about 70% (about 1.7-fold or more), or by at least about 80% (about 1.8-fold or more), or by at least about 90% (about 1.9-fold or more), or by at least about 100% (about 2-fold or more), or by at least about 150% (about 2.5-fold or more), or by at least about 200% (about 3-fold or more), or by at least about 500% (about 6-fold or more), or by at least about 700% (about 8-fold or more), or like, relative to a second value with which a comparison is being made.

Preferably, a deviation may refer to a statistically significant observed alteration. For example, a deviation may refer to an observed alteration which falls outside of error margins of reference values in a given population (as expressed, for example, by standard deviation or standard error, or by a predetermined multiple thereof, e.g., ±1×SD or ±2×SD, or ±1×SE or ±2×SE). Deviation may also refer to a value falling outside of a reference range defined by values in a given population (for example, outside of a range which comprises ≧40%, ≧50%, ≧60%, ≧70%, ≧75% or ≧80% or ≧85% or ≧90% or 95% or even ≧100% of values in said population).

In a further embodiment, a deviation may be concluded if an observed alteration is beyond a given threshold or cut-off. Such threshold or cut-off may be selected as generally known in the art to provide for a chosen sensitivity and/or specificity of the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis methods, e.g., sensitivity and/or specificity of at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 85%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%.

For example, in an embodiment, an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject—preferably at least about 1.1-fold elevated, or at least about 1.2-fold elevated, more preferably at least about 1.3-fold elevated, even more preferably at least about 1.4-fold elevated, yet more preferably at least about 1.5-fold elevated, such as between about 1.1-fold and 3-fold elevated or between about 1.5-fold and 2-fold elevated—compared to a reference value representing the prediction or diagnosis of no AHF or representing a good prognosis for AHF indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.

When a deviation is found between the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject and a reference value representing a certain prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF, said deviation is indicative of or may be attributed to the conclusion that the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in said subject is different from that represented by the reference value.

When no deviation is found between the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject and a reference value representing a certain prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF, the absence of such deviation is indicative of or may be attributed to the conclusion that the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in said subject is substantially the same as that represented by the reference value.

The above considerations apply analogously to biomarker profiles.

When two or more different biomarkers are determined in a subject, their respective presence, absence and/or quantity may be together represented as a biomarker profile, the values for each measured biomarker making a part of said profile. As used herein, the term “profile” includes any set of data that represents the distinctive features or characteristics associated with a condition of interest, such as with a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF. The term generally encompasses inter alia nucleic acid profiles, such as for example genotypic profiles (sets of genotypic data that represents the genotype of one or more genes associated with a condition of interest), gene copy number profiles (sets of gene copy number data that represents the amplification or deletion of one or more genes associated with a condition of interest), gene expression profiles (sets of gene expression data that represents the mRNA levels of one or more genes associated with a condition of interest), DNA methylation profiles (sets of methylation data that represents the DNA methylation levels of one or more genes associated with a condition of interest), as well as protein, polypeptide or peptide profiles, such as for example protein expression profiles (sets of protein expression data that represents the levels of one or more proteins associated with a condition of interest), protein activation profiles (sets of data that represents the activation or inactivation of one or more proteins associated with a condition of interest), protein modification profiles (sets of data that represents the modification of one or more proteins associated with a condition of interest), protein cleavage profiles (sets of data that represent the proteolytic cleavage of one or more proteins associated with a condition of interest), as well as any combinations thereof.

Biomarker profiles may be created in a number of ways and may be the combination of measurable biomarkers or aspects of biomarkers using methods such as ratios, or other more complex association methods or algorithms (e.g., rule-based methods). A biomarker profile comprises at least two measurements, where the measurements can correspond to the same or different biomarkers. A biomarker profile may also comprise at least three, four, five, 10, 20, 30 or more measurements. In one embodiment, a biomarker profile comprises hundreds, or even thousands, of measurements.

Hence, for example, distinct reference profiles may represent the prediction of a risk (e.g., an abnormally elevated risk) of having AHF vs. the prediction of no or normal risk of having AHF. In another example, distinct reference profiles may represent predictions of differing degrees of risk of having AHF.

In a further example, distinct reference profiles can represent the diagnosis of AHF vs. the diagnosis no AHF (such as, e.g., the diagnosis of healthy, recovered from AHF, etc.). In another example, distinct reference profiles may represent the diagnosis of AHF of varying severity.

In a yet another example, distinct reference profiles may represent a good prognosis for AHF vs. a poor prognosis for AHF. In a further example, distinct reference profiles may represent varyingly favourable or unfavourable prognoses for AHF.

Reference profiles used herein may be established according to known procedures previously employed for other biomarkers.

For example, a reference profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other AHF-related biomarkers for a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF may be established by determining the profile in sample(s) from one individual or from a population of individuals characterised by said particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF (i.e., for whom said prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF holds true). Such population may comprise without limitation 2, 10, 100, or even several hundreds or more individuals.

Hence, by means of an illustrative example, reference profiles for the diagnoses of AHF vs. no AHF may be established by determining the biomarker profiles in sample(s) from one individual or from a population of individuals diagnosed as, respectively, having or not having AHF.

In an embodiment the present methods may include a step of establishing such reference profile(s). In an embodiment, the present kits and devices may include means for establishing a reference profile for a particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF. Such means may for example comprise one or more samples (e.g., separate or pooled samples) from one or more individuals characterised by said particular prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF.

Further, art-known multi-parameter analyses may be employed mutatis mutandis to determine deviations between groups of values and profiles generated there from (e.g., between sample and reference biomarker profiles).

When a deviation is found between the sample profile and a reference profile representing a certain prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF, said deviation is indicative of or may be attributed to the conclusion that the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in said subject is different from that represented by the reference profile.

When no deviation is found between the sample profile and a reference profile representing a certain prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF, the absence of such deviation is indicative of or may be attributed to the conclusion that the prediction, diagnosis and/or prognosis of AHF in said subject is substantially the same as that represented by the reference profile.

The present invention further provides kits or devices for diagnosis of heart failure, more particularly of acute heart failure, comprising means for detecting the level of the MCAM marker in a sample of the patient. In a more preferred embodiment, such a kit or kits of the invention can be used in clinical settings or at home. The kit according to the invention can be used for diagnosing Acute Heart Failure, for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment of a subject suffering from AHF with an agent, or for preventive screening of subjects for the occurrence of AHF in said subject.

In a clinical setting, the kit or device can be in the form of a bed-side device or in an emergency team setting, e.g. as part of the equipment of an ambulance or other moving emergency vehicle or team equipment or as part of a first-aid kit. The diagnostic kit or device can assist a medical practitioner, a first aid helper, or nurse to decide whether the patient under observation is developing an acute heart failure, after which appropriate action or treatment can be performed.

A home-test kit gives the patient a readout which he can communicate to a medicinal practitioner, a first aid helper or to the emergency department of a hospital, after which appropriate action can be taken. Such a home-test device is of particular interest for people having either a history of, or are at risk of suffering from heart failure (e.g. chronic heart failure patients) or have a history or are at risk of suffering from dyspnea (shortness of breath), which may be caused by e.g. acute heart failure, infections, lung-problems, sepsis, etc. Such subjects with a high risk for heart failure or having a history of dyspnea could certainly benefit from having a home test device or kit according to the invention at home, because they can then easily distinguish between an acute heart failure event and another event causing the dyspnea, resulting in an easier way of determining the actions to be taken to resolve the problem.

Typical kits or devices according to the invention comprise the following elements:

a) a means for obtaining a sample from the subject b) a means or device for measuring the amount of the MCAM marker in said sample and visualizing whether the amount of the MCAM marker in said sample is below or above a certain threshold level or value, indicating whether the subject is suffering from acute heart failure or not.

In any of the embodiments of the invention, the kits or devices can additionally comprise c) means for communicating directly with a medical practitioner, an emergency department of the hospital or a first aid post, indicating that a person is suffering from acute heart failure or not.

The term “threshold level or value” or “reference value” is used interchangeably as a synonym and is as defined herein. It can also be a range of base-line (e.g. “dry weight”) values determined in an individual patient or in a group of patients with highly similar disease conditions.

In any of the embodiments of the invention, the device or kit or kits of the invention can additionally comprise means for detecting the level of an additional marker for heart failure or acute heart failure in the sample of said patient. Additional markers could for example be BNP or NT-pro-BNP or fragments of BNP or NT-pro-BNP.

Any of kits as defined herein can be used as a bed-side device for use by the subject himself or by a clinical practitioner.

In said kit of the invention, the means for obtaining a sample from the subject (a) can be any means for obtaining a sample from the subject known in the art. Examples for obtaining e.g. a blood sample are known in the art and could be any kind of finger or skin prick or lancet based device, which basically pierces the skin and results in a drop of blood being released from the skin. When a urine sample is used, the means for obtaining a sample from the subject can be in the form of an absorbent strip such as the ones used in home pregnancy tests known in the art. In analogy, a saliva sample could be obtained using a mount swab known in the art. Example of blood sampling devices or other sampling devices are for example given in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,802,493, 4,966,159, 5,099,857, 6,095,988, 5,944,671, 4,553,541, 3,760,809, 5,395,388, 5,212,879, 5,630,828, 5,133,730, 4,653,513, 5,368,047, 5,569,287, 4,360,016, 5,413,006 and U.S. Pat. Applic. 2002/111565, 2004/0096959, 2005/143713, 2005/137525, 2003/0153900, 2003/0088191, WO9955232, WO2005/049107, WO2004/060163, WO02/056751, WO02/100254, WO2003/022330, WO2004/066822, WO97/46157, WO2004/039429, or EP0364621, EP0078724, EP1212138, EP0081975, or EP0292928.

In said kit of the invention, the means or device for measuring the amount of the MCAM marker in said sample (b) can be any means or device that can specifically detect the amount of the MCAM protein in the sample. Examples are systems comprising MCAM specific binding molecules attached to a solid phase, e.g. lateral flow strips or dipstick devices and the like well known in the art. One non-limiting example to perform a biochemical assay is to use a test-strip and labelled antibodies which combination does not require any washing of the membrane. The test strip is well known, for example, in the field of pregnancy testing kits where an anti-hCG antibody is present on the support, and is carried complexed with hCG by the flow of urine onto an immobilised second antibody that permits visualisation. Other non-limiting examples of such home test devices, systems or kits can be found for example in the following U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,045, 6,974,706, 5,108,889, 6,027,944, 6,482,156, 6,511,814, 5,824,268, 5,726,010, 6,001,658 or U.S. patent applications: 2008/0090305 or 2003/0109067.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a lateral flow device or dipstick. Such dipstick comprises a test strip allowing migration of a sample by capillary flow from one end of the strip where the sample is applied to the other end of such strip where presence of an analyte in said sample is measured.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a device comprising a reagent strip. Such reagent strip comprises one or more test pads which when wetted with the sample, provide a color change in the presence of an analyte and/or indicate the concentration of the protein in said sample.

In one preferred embodiment of the kit of the invention, the means or device (1) for measuring the amount of protein in a sample (b) is a solid support (7) having a proximal (2) and distal (3) end, comprising:

-   -   a sample application zone (4) in the vicinity of the proximal         end,     -   a reaction zone (5) distal to the sample application zone (4),         and     -   a detection zone (6) distal to the reaction zone (5),         whereby said support has a capillary property that directs a         flow of fluid sample applied in the application zone in a         direction from the proximal end to the distal end,     -   optionally, the means or device also comprises a source of         fluid, e.g. in a container, dropper pipette or vial, enabling         viscous samples to flow easier through the strip.

The reaction zone (5) comprises one or more bands (10) of MCAM binding molecule conjugated to a detection agent (e.g. colloidal gold) which MCAM binding molecule conjugate is disposed on the solid support such that it can migrate with the capillary flow of fluid i.e. it is not immobilised. The detection zone (6) comprises one or more capture bands (11) comprising a population of MCAM binding molecules immobilised on the solid support.

When a sample is applied to the sample application zone (4), it migrates towards the reaction zone (5) by capillary flow. Any MCAM present in the sample reacts with the MCAM labelled binding molecule conjugate, and the complex so formed is carried by capillary flow to the detection zone (6). The detection zone (6), having MCAM binding molecules permanently immobilised thereon, captures and immobilises any complex, resulting in a localised concentration of conjugate that can be visualised.

The two zones (5 and 6) as described herein (one zone with the non-fixed conjugates and one zone with the fixed capture antibodies) generally do not overlap. They may be adjacently arranged with an absence or presence of an intervening gap of solid support devoid of band. A band may be disposed on a solid support by any means, for example, absorbed, adsorbed, coated, covalently attached or dried, depending on whether the reagent is required to be mobilised or not.

In order to obtain a semi-quentitative test strip in which only a signal is formed once the MCAM protein level in the sample is higher than a certain predetermined threshold level or value, the reaction zone (5) comprising the non-fixed conjugated MCAM binding molecules, could also comprise a predetermined amount of fixed MCAM capture antibodies. This enables to capture away a certain amount of MCAM protein present in the sample, corresponding to the threshold level or value as predetermined. The remaining amount of MCAM protein (if any) bound by the conjugated or labelled binding molecules can then be allowed to migrate to the detection zone (6). In this case, the reaction zone (6) will only receive labelled binding molecule-MCAM complexes and subsequently only produce a signal if the level of the MCAM protein in the sample is higher than the predetermined threshold level or value.

Another possibility to determine whether the amount of the MCAM protein in the sample is below or above a certain threshold level or value, is to use a primary capturing antibody capturing all MCAM protein present in the sample, in combination with a labeled secondary antibody, developing a certain signal or color when bound to the solid phase. The intensity of the color or signal can then either be compared to a reference color or signal chart indicating that when the intensity of the signal is above a certain threshold signal, the test is positive (i.e. AHF is imminent). Alternatively, the amount or intensity of the color or signal can be measured with an electronic device comprising e.g. a light absorbance sensor or light emission meter, resulting in a numerical value of signal intensity or color absorbance formed, which can then be displayed to the subject in the form of a negative result if said numerical value is below the threshold value or a positive result if said numerical value is above the threshold value.

This embodiment is of particular relevance in monitoring the MCAM level in a patient over a period of time.

The reference value or range can e.g. be determined using the home device in a period wherein the subject is free of AHF, giving the patient an indication of his base-line MCAM level. Regularly using the home test device will thus enable the subject to notice a sudden change in MCAM levels as compared to the base-line level, which can enable him to contact a medical practitioner.

Alternatively, the reference value can be determined in the subject suffering from AHF, which then indicates his personal MCAM “risk level”, i.e. the level of MCAM which indicates he is or will soon be exposed to an AHF event. This risk level is interesting for monitoring the disease progression or for evaluating the effect of the treatment. Reduction of the MCAM level as compared to the risk level indicates that the condition of the patient is improving.

Furthermore, the reference value or level can be established through combined measurement results in subjects with highly similar disease states or phenotypes (e.g. all in non-AHF condition or all in AHF condition).

Non-limiting examples of such semi-quantitative tests known in the art, the principle of which could be used for the home test device according to the present invention are the HIV/AIDS test or Prostate Cancer tests sold by Sanitoets. The home prostate test is a rapid test intended as an initial semi-quantitative test to detect PSA blood levels higher than 4 ng/ml in whole blood. The typical home self-test kit comprises the following components: a test device to which the blood sample is to be administered and which results in a signal when the protein level is above a certain threshold level, an amount of diluent e.g. in dropper pipette to help the transfer of the analytes (i.e. the protein of interest) from the sample application zone to the signal detection zone, optionally an empty pipette for blood specimen collection, a finger pricking device, optionally a sterile swab to clean the area of pricking and instructions of use of the kit.

Similar tests are also known for e.g. breast cancer detection and CRP-protein level detection in view of cardiac risk home tests. The latter test encompasses the sending of the test result to a laboratory, where the result is interpreted by a technical or medical expert. Such telephone or internet based diagnosis of the patient's condition is of course possible and advisable with most of the kits, since interpretation of the test result is often more important than conducting the test. When using an electronic device as mentioned above which gives a numerical value of the level of protein present in the sample, this value can of course easily be communicated through telephone, mobile telephone, satellite phone, E-mail, internet or other communication means, warning a hospital, a medicinal practitioner or a first aid team that a person is suffering from an acute heart failure. A non-limiting example of such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,156. Reference is made in the description below to the drawings which exemplify particular embodiments of the invention; they are not at all intended to be limiting. The skilled person may adapt the device and substituent components and features according to the common practices of the person skilled in the art.

FIGS. 6A and B shows a preferred embodiment of a test strip of the invention. The strip (1) includes a proximal end (2) and a distal end (3). A sample application zone (4) is provided in the proximal end (2), a reaction zone (5) is adjacent thereto and a detection zone (6) is in the vicinity of the distal end (3). A sample may be deposited onto the solid support (7) at the application zone (4) to transfer by capillary action to the detection zone (6). A protective layer (8) that covers either or both the surfaces of the solid support (7), except for a region of the sample application zone (4) may be provided. Such protective layer protects the sample and chemical constituency of the strip from contamination and evaporation. One or more absorbent pads (9) in capillary contact with the sample application zone (4) of the solid support (7) may absorb and release sample as necessary; such pad (9) is typically placed on the surface of the solid support (7) that is the same or opposing the sample application zone (4). In FIG. 5B, the absorbent pad (9) is part of the sample application zone (4). One or more other absorbent pads (9′) in capillary may be placed in contact with the detection zone (6) of the solid support (7), distal to any capture bands (11), (14). These pads (9′) may absorb fluid that has passed through the solid support; such pad (9′) is typically placed on the surface of the solid support (7) that is the same or opposing the sample application zone (4). The solid support (7) may made from any suitable material that has a capillary action property, and may have the same properties as described above. It should also be capable of supporting a substance (e.g. non-immobilised MCAM binding molecule), which, when hydrated, can migrate across the solid support by a capillary action fluid flow.

The solid support (7) may also comprise a band of MCAM binding molecule conjugate (10), located in the reaction zone (5), at a position distal to the sample application zone (4). Any MCAM in the sample is carried by capillary action towards this band (10), where it reacts with the permanently immobilised MCAM binding molecule conjugate.

The MCAM binding molecule conjugate may be associated with or attached to a detection agent to facilitate detection. Examples of lab detection agents include, but are not limited to, luminescent labels; colorimetric labels, such as dyes; fluorescent labels; or chemical labels, such as electroactive agents (e.g., ferrocyanide); enzymes; radioactive labels; or radiofrequency labels. More commonly, the detection agent is a particle. Examples of particles useful in the practice of the invention include, but are not limited to, colloidal gold particles; colloidal sulphur particles; colloidal selenium particles; colloidal barium sulfate particles; colloidal iron sulfate particles; metal iodate particles; silver halide particles; silica particles; colloidal metal (hydrous) oxide particles; colloidal metal sulfide particles; colloidal lead selenide particles; colloidal cadmium selenide particles; colloidal metal phosphate particles; colloidal metal ferrite particles; any of the above-mentioned colloidal particles coated with organic or inorganic layers; protein or peptide molecules; liposomes; or organic polymer latex particles, such as polystyrene latex beads. Preferable particles are colloidal gold particles. Colloidal gold may be made by any conventional means, such as the methods outlined in G. Frens, 1973 Nature Physical Science, 241:20 (1973). Alternative methods may be described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,578,577, 5,141,850; 4,775,636; 4,853,335; 4,859,612; 5,079,172; 5,202,267; 5,514,602; 5,616,467; 5,681,775.

The solid support (7) further comprises one or more capture bands (11) in the detection zone (6). A capture band comprises a population of MCAM binding molecule permanently immobilised thereon. The MCAM: MCAM-binding molecule conjugate complex formed in the reaction zone (5) migrates towards the detection zone (6) where said band (11) captures migrating complex, and concentrates it, allowing it to be visualised either by eye, or using a machine reader. The MCAM binding molecule present in the reaction zone (5) and in the detection zone (6) may reaction to the same part of MCAM or may react to different parts of MCAM.

One or more controls bands (12) may be present on the solid support (7). For example, a non-immobilised peptide (12) might be present in the sample application zone (4), which peptide does not cross-react with any of bands of MCAM binding molecule (13) or (14). As the sample is applied, it migrates towards the reaction zone (5), where an anti-peptide antibody conjugate is disposed (13), and where a complex peptide-antibody complex is formed. Said complex migrates towards the detection zone (6), where a capture band (14) of anti-peptide antibody is immobilised on the solid support, and which concentrates said complex enabling visualisation. The control capture band (14) is located separately from the MCAM capture band (11), therefore, a positive reaction can be seen distinct from the detection reaction if the assay is working correctly.

A particular advantage of a control according to the invention is that they are internal controls—that is, the control against which the MCAM measurement results may be compared is present on the individual solid support. Therefore, the controls according to the invention may be used to correct for variability in the solid support, for example. Such correction would be impractical with external controls that are based, for example, on a statistical sampling of supports. Additionally, lot-to-lot, and run-to-run, variations between different supports may be minimized by use of control binding agents and control agents according to the invention. Furthermore, the effects of non-specific binding may be reduced. All of these corrections would be difficult to accomplish using external, off-support, controls.

During the assay, MCAM from the sample and the MCAM binding molecule conjugate combine and concentrate on the solid support (7). This combination results in a concentration of compounds that may can be visualised above the background colour of the solid support (7). The compounds may be formed from a combination of above-mentioned compounds, including antibodies, detection agents, and other particles associated with the reaction and detection zones.

Based on the particular assay being performed, the reaction and detection zones may be selectively implemented to achieve an appropriate dynamic range which may be linear or non-linear.

A solid support (7) for performing the assay may be housed within the cartridge (20) as shown, for example, in FIG. 6. The cartridge is preferably watertight against urine, except for one or more openings. The solid support (7) may be exposed through an opening (21) in the cartridge to provide an application zone (4) in proximal end (2), and another opening (22) to enable reading of detection zone (6) close to the distal end (3). Cartridge (20) may include a sensor code (23) for communicating with a reading device.

The presence and/or concentration of MCAM in a sample can be measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) using a chip having MCAM binding molecule immobilized thereon, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), fluorescence quenching, fluorescence polarization measurement or other means known in the art. Any of the binding assays described can be used to determine the presence and/or concentration of MCAM in a sample. To do so, MCAM binding molecule is reacted with a sample, and the concentration of MCAM is measured as appropriate for the binding assay being used. To validate and calibrate an assay, control reactions using different concentrations of standard MCAM and/or MCAM binding molecule can be performed. Where solid phase assays are employed, after incubation, a washing step is performed to remove unbound MCAM. Bound, MCAM is measured as appropriate for the given label (e.g., scintillation counting, fluorescence, antibody-dye etc.). If a qualitative result is desired, controls and different concentrations may not be necessary. Of course, the roles of MCAM and MCAM binding molecule may be switched; the skilled person may adapt the method so MCAM binding molecule is applied to sample, at various concentrations of sample.

A MCAM binding molecule according to the invention is any substance that binds specifically to MCAM. Examples of a MCAM binding molecule useful according to the present invention, includes, but is not limited to an antibody, a polypeptide, a peptide, a lipid, a carbohydrate, a nucleic acid, peptide-nucleic acid, small molecule, small organic molecule, or other drug candidate. A MCAM binding molecule can be natural or synthetic compound, including, for example, synthetic small molecule, compound contained in extracts of animal, plant, bacterial or fungal cells, as well as conditioned medium from such cells. Alternatively, MCAM binding molecule can be an engineered protein having binding sites for MCAM. According to an aspect of the invention, a MCAM binding molecule binds specifically to MCAM with an affinity better than 10⁻⁶ M. A suitable MCAM binding molecule e can be determined from its binding with a standard sample of MCAM. Methods for determining the binding between MCAM binding molecule and MCAM are known in the art. As used herein, the term antibody includes, but is not limited to, polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, humanised or chimeric antibodies, engineered antibodies, and biologically functional antibody fragments (e.g. scFv, nanobodies, Fv, etc) sufficient for binding of the antibody fragment to the protein. Such antibody may be commercially available antibody against MCAM, such as, for example, a mouse, rat, human or humanised monoclonal antibody.

In a preferred embodiment, the binding molecule or agent is capable of binding both the mature membrane- or cell-bound MCAM protein or fragment. In a more preferred embodiment, the binding agent or molecule is specifically binding or detecting the soluble form, preferably the plasma circulating form of MCAM, as defined herein.

According to one aspect of the invention, the MCAM binding molecule is labelled with a tag that permits detection with another agent (e.g. with a probe binding partner). Such tags can be, for example, biotin, streptavidin, his-tag, myc tag, maltose, maltose binding protein or any other kind of tag known in the art that has a binding partner. Example of associations which can be utilised in the probe:binding partner arrangement may be any, and includes, for example biotin:streptavidin, his-tag:metal ion (e.g. Ni²⁺), maltose:maltose binding protein.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a simple and accurate colorimetric reagent strip and method for measuring presence of MCAM in a sample. More in particular, the present invention also relates to a device comprising a reagent strip. The present reagent strip comprises a solid support which is provided with at least one test pad for measuring the presence of MCAM in a sample. Said test pad preferably comprises a carrier matrix incorporating a reagent composition capable of interacting with MCAM to produce a measurable response, preferably a visually or instrumentally measurable response. The reagent strip may be manufactured in any size and shape, but in general the reagent strip is longer than wide. The solid support may be composed of any suitable material and is preferably made of firm or stiff material such as cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polycarbonate or polystyrene. In general, the carrier matrix is an absorbent material that allows the urine sample to move, in response to capillary forces, through the carrier matrix to contact the reagent composition and produce a detectable or measurable color transition. The carrier matrix can be any substance capable of incorporating the chemical reagents required to perform the assay of interest, as long as the carrier matrix is substantially inert with respect to the chemical reagents, and is porous or absorbent relative to the soluble components of the liquid test sample. The expression “carrier matrix” refers to either bibulous or nonbibulous matrices that are insoluble in water and other physiological fluids and maintain their structural integrity when exposed to water and other physiological fluids. Suitable bibulous matrices include filter paper, sponge materials, cellulose, wood, woven and nonwoven fabrics and the like. Nonbibulous matrices include glass fiber, polymeric films, and preformed or microporous membranes. Other suitable carrier matrices include hydrophilic inorganic powders, such as silica gel, alumina, diatomaceous earth and the like; argillaceous substances; cloth; hydrophilic natural polymeric materials, particularly cellulose material, like cellulosic beads, and especially fibercontaining papers such as filter paper or chromatographic paper; synthetic or modified naturally-occurring polymers, such as crosslinked gelatin, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylamide, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polysulfones, polyesters, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, crosslinked dextran, agarose, and other such crosslinked and noncrosslinked water-insoluble hydrophilic polymers. Hydrophobic and nonabsorptive substances are not suitable for use as the carrier matrix of the present invention. The carrier matrix can be of different chemical compositions or a mixture of chemical compositions. The matrix also can vary in regards to smoothness and roughness combined with hardness and softness. However, in every instance, the carrier matrix comprises a hydrophilic or absorptive material. The carrier matrix is most advantageously constructed from bibulous filter paper or nonbibulous polymeric films. A preferred carrier matrix is a hydrophilic, bibulous matrix, including cellulosic materials, such as paper, and preferably filter paper or a nonbibulous matrix, including polymeric films, such as a polyurethane or a crosslinked gelatin. A reagent composition which produces a colorimetric change when reacted with MCAM in a sample can be homogeneously incorporated into the carrier matrix, and the carrier matrix then holds the reagent composition homogeneously throughout the carrier matrix while maintaining carrier matrix penetrability by the predetermined component of the test sample. Examples of suitable reagent compositions may include for instance a MCAM binding molecule in case of an antibody-based technique, or pH buffer in case of enzymatic detection. The reagent composition is preferably dried and stabilized onto a test pad adhered to at least one end of a solid support. The test pad onto which the reagent composition is absorbed and dried, is preferably made of a membrane material that shows minimal background color. Preferably, the test pad may be constructed of acid or base washed materials in order to minimize background color. In another embodiment the reagent composition which is dried onto the reagent strip further comprises wetting agents to reduce brittleness of the test pad. Non-limiting examples of preferred wetting agents include TritonX-100, Bioterg, glycerol, 0 Tween, and the like. The reagent composition can be applied to the reagent strip by any method known in the art. For example, the carrier matrix from which the test pads are made may be dipped into a solution of the reagent composition and dried according to techniques known in the art. A reagent strip according to the invention may be provided with multiple test pads to assay for more than one analyte in a urine sample. A reagent strip may be provided comprising a solid support provided with one or more test pads including test pads for measuring the presence of one or more analytes selected from the group comprising proteins such as AHF markers BNP, NT-pro-BNP or fragments thereof, blood, leukocytes, nitrite, glucose, ketones, creatinine, albumin, bilirubin, urobilinogen and/or a pH test pad, and/or a test pad for measuring specific gravity.

A possible embodiment of a reagent strip 101 according to the invention is depicted diagrammatically in FIG. 8 A-B. The strip 101 includes a proximal end 102 and a distal end 103. Various test pads 109, 109′, 109″ on which the reagent compositions are provided at the proximal end 102 on a solid support 107 of the reagent strip. The strip must be designed in such a way that it can be wetted with a sufficiently large amount of sample, optionally diluted by a physiological fluid improving the capillary flow of a viscous sample such as blood or saliva and the like.

A reagent strip as defined herein is used as follows. Briefly, one or more test pad areas of the reagent strip of the invention is dipped into a sample or a small amount of sample is applied to the reagent strip onto the test pad area(s). A color development which can be analyzed visually or by reflectometry occurs on the reagent strip within a short time, usually within 0.5 to 10 minutes. The change in color of the reagent area on the test pad upon reacting with MCAM is preferably directly proportional to the concentration of MCAM in the patient sample. The color intensity that develops on the test pad may be determined visually or by a reflectance-based reader, for example. Color development at the test pad area(s) is compared to a reference color or colors to determine an estimate of the amount of MCAM present in the sample The color intensity that develops on the test pad is compared to at least one, and preferably at least two standard color shades that correspond to a range of MCAM concentration determined by application of a correction factor.

The reagent strip may further comprises a fluorescent or infrared dye, applied either to the support strip or incorporated into a test pad, which ensures proper alignment of the reagent strip in an apparatus having a detection system for the detectable or measurable response.

In another embodiment, the invention also relates to a test pad for measuring the presence of MCAM in a sample. Preferably said test pad comprises a carrier matrix incorporating a reagent composition capable of interacting with MCAM to produce a measurable response, preferably a visually or instrumentally measurable response. In another preferred embodiment the invention provides a test pad according as define herein for use in on a reagent strip, preferably on a reagent strip as defined herein.

The specific-binding agents, peptides, polypeptides, proteins, biomarkers etc. in the present kits may be in various forms, e.g., lyophilised, free in solution or immobilised on a solid phase. They may be, e.g., provided in a multi-well plate or as an array or microarray, or they may be packaged separately and/or individually. The may be suitably labelled as taught herein. Said kits may be particularly suitable for performing the assay methods of the invention, such as, e.g., immunoassays, ELISA assays, mass spectrometry assays, and the like.

The above aspects and embodiments are further supported by the following non-limiting examples.

EXAMPLES Example 1 MASSterclass Targeted Protein Quantitation for Early Validation of Candidate Markers Derived from Discovery MASSterclass Experimental Setup

MASSterclass assays use targeted tandem mass spectrometry with stable isotope dilution as an end-stage peptide quantitation system (also called Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) and Single Reaction Monitoring (SRM)). The targeted peptide is specific (i.e., proteotypic) for the specific protein of interest. i.e., the amount of peptide measured is directly related to the amount of protein in the original sample. To reach the specificity and sensitivity needed for biomarker quantitation in complex samples, peptide fractionations precede the end-stage quantitation step.

A suitable MASSterclass assay may include the following steps:

-   -   Plasma/serum sample     -   Depletion of human albumin and IgG (complexity reduction on         protein level) using affinity capture with anti-albumin and         anti-IgG antibodies using ProteoPrep spin columns (Sigma         Aldrich)     -   Spiking of known amounts of isotopically labelled peptides. This         peptide has the same amino acid sequence as the proteotypic         peptide of interest, typically with one isotopically labelled         amino acid built in to generate a mass difference. During the         entire process, the labelled peptide has identical chemical and         chromatographic behaviour as the endogenous peptide, except         during the end-stage quantitation step which is based on         molecular mass.     -   Tryptic digest. The proteins in the depleted serum/plasma sample         are digested into peptides using trypsin. This enzyme cleaves         proteins C-terminally from lysine and argninine, except when a         proline is present C-terminally of the lysine or arginine.         Before digestion, proteins are denatured by boiling, which         renders the protein molecule more accessible for the trypsin         activity during the 16 h incubation at 37° C.

First Peptide-Based Fractionation:

-   -   Free Flow Electrophoresis (FFE; BD Diagnostic) is a gel-free,         fluid separation technique in which charged molecules moving in         a continuous laminar flow are separated through an electrical         field perpendicular to the flow. The electrical field causes the         charged molecules to separate in the pH gradient according to         their isoelectric point (pI). Only those fractions containing         the monitored peptides are selected for further fractionation         and LC-MS/MS analysis. Each peptide of interest elutes from the         FFE chamber at a specific fraction number, which is determined         during protein assay development using the synthetic peptide         homologue. Specific fractions or fraction pools (multiplexing)         proceed to the next level of fractionation.

Second Peptide-Based Fractionation:

-   -   Phenyl HPLC (XBridge Phenyl; Waters) separates peptides         according to hydrophobicity and aromatic nature of amino acids         present in the peptide sequence. Orthogonality with the back-end         C18 separation is achieved by operating the column at an         increased pH value (pH 10). As demonstrated by Gilar of al.         2005, J Sep Sci 28(14): 1694-1703), pH is by far the most         drastic parameter to alter peptide selectivity in RP-HPLC. Each         peptide of interest elutes from the Phenyl column at a specific         retention time, which is determined during protein assay         development using the synthetic peptide homologue. The use of an         external control system, in which a mixture of 9 standard         peptides is separated upfront a batch of sample separations,         allows adjusting the fraction collection in order to correct for         retention time shifts. The extent of fractionation is dependent         on the concentration of the protein in the sample and the         complexity of that sample.     -   LC-MS/MS based quantitation, including further separation on         reversed phase (C18) nanoLC (PepMap C18; Dionex) and MS/MS:         tandem mass spectrometry using MRM (4000 QTRAP; ABI)/SRM         (Vantage TSQ; Thermo Scientific) mode. The LC column is         connected to an electrospray needle connected to the source head         of the mass spectrometer. As material elutes from the column,         molecules are ionized and enter the mass spectrometer in the gas         phase. The peptide that is monitored is specifically selected to         pass the first quadrupole (Q1), based on its mass to charge         ratio (m/z). The selected peptide is then fragmented in a second         quadrupole (Q2) which is used as a collision cell. The resulting         fragments then enter the third quadrupole (Q3). Depending on the         instrument settings (determined during the assay development         phase) only a specific peptide fragment or specific peptide         fragments (or so called transitions) are selected for detection.     -   The combination of the m/z of the monitored peptide and the m/z         of the monitored fragment of this peptide is called a         transition. This process can be performed for multiple         transitions during one experiment. Both the endogenous peptide         (analyte) and its corresponding isotopically labelled synthetic         peptide (internal standard) elute at the same retention time,         and are measured in the same LC-MS/MS experiment.     -   The MASSterclass readout is defined by the ratio between the         area under the peak specific for the analyte and the area under         the peak specific for the synthetic isotopically labelled         analogue (internal standard). MASSterclass readouts are directly         related to the original concentration of the protein in the         sample. MASSterclass readouts can therefore be compared between         different samples and groups of samples.

A typical MASSterclass protocol followed in the present study is given here below:

-   -   25 μL of plasma is subjected to a depletion of human albumin and         IgG (ProteoPrep spin columns; Sigma Aldrich) according to the         manufacturer's protocol, except that 20 mM NH₄HCO₃ was used as         the binding/equilibration buffer.     -   The depleted sample (225 μL) is denatured for 15 min at 95° C.         and immediately cooled on ice     -   500 fmol of the isotopically labelled peptide (custom made         ‘Heavy AQUA’ peptide; Thermo Scientific) is spiked in the sample     -   20 μg trypsin is added to the sample and digestion is allowed         for 16 h at 37° C.     -   The digested sample was first diluted 1/8 in solvent A (0.1%         formic acid) and then 1/20 in the same solvent containing 250         amol/μL of all isotopically labelled peptides (custom made         ‘Heavy AQUA’ peptide; Thermo Scientific) of interest.     -   20 μL of the final dilution was separated using reverse-phase         NanoLC with on-line MS/MS in MRM/SRM mode:         -   Column: PepMap C18, 75 μm I.D.×25 cm L, 100 Å pore diameter,             5 μm particle size         -   Solvent A: 0.1% formic acid         -   Solvent B: 80% acetonitrile, 0.1% formic acid         -   Gradient: 30 min; 2%-55% Solvent B         -   MS/MS in MRM mode: method contains the transitions for the             analyte as well as for the synthetic, labelled peptide.             -   The used transitions were experimentally determined and                 selected during protein assay development             -   Each of the transitions of interest was measured for a                 period starting 3 minutes before and ending 3 minutes                 after the determined retention time of the peptide of                 interest, making sure that each peak had at least 15                 datapoints.     -   The raw data was analysed and quantified using the LCQuan         software (Thermo Scientific): the area under the analyte (=the         MCAM peptide) peak and under the internal standard (the         labelled, synthetic MCAM peptide) peak at the same C18 retention         time was determined by automatic peak detection. These were         checked manually.     -   The MASSterclass readout was defined by the ratio of the analyte         peak area and the internal standard peak area

MASSterclass Statistical Analysis

The measured ratios are differential quantitations of peptides. In other words a ratio is the normalised concentration of a peptide. The concentration of a peptide is proportional to the ratio measured with mass spectrometry.

A statistical analysis is conducted in order to determine the diagnostic accuracy of a specific protein. To do so, sample classes are compared pairwise. The analysis defines the ability of a protein to discriminate two sample populations.

The diagnostic performance of a specific protein was determined by measuring the area under the Receiver-Operating-Characteristics (ROC) curves (AUC) (cf. Sullivan Pepe M, The statistical evaluation of medical tests for classification and prediction. 1993 Oxford University Press New York). The estimated and confidence intervals (CI) for AUCs were also computed using a non-parametric approach, namely bootstrapping (cf. Efron B, Tibshirani RJ. Nonparametric confidence intervals. An introduction to the bootstrap. Monographs on statistics and applied probability. 1993; 57:75-90 Chapman & Hall New York).

Example 2 Verification of Diagnostic Value of Candidate Marker MCAM Using MASSterclass

Clinical samples were collected prospectively across 3 different medical centres from patients presenting to emergency department (ED) with acute dyspnea (n=100) either related to acute heart failure or related to other causes (=dyspnea non AHF).

For all included patients a comprehensive case report file (CRF) was completed with details on medical background, admission diagnosis and medications.

Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis demonstrated MCAM to be highly sensitive and specific for diagnosing AHF in dyspneic patients presenting to the ED, as indicated by an overall median AUC of 0.91 with 95% CI 0.85-0.96 (cf. FIG. 4). This diagnostic performance is equivalent to BNP and NT-proBNP, the current gold standard biomarkers for diagnosing AHF in an acute dyspnea population. Table 1 lists the results.

TABLE 1 BNP NT-proBNP MCAM Median AUC 0.88 0.85 0.91 95% CI 0.82-0.95 0.77-0.92 0.85-0.96

Combining MCAM with BNP has a significant impact on the overall diagnostic accuracy, reaching a maximum of 86% in the current dataset (cf. FIG. 4). The diagnostic accuracy of MCAM and BNP at a single cut-off and the combination of the two markers is summarized in Table 2 below. Taking into account that 100 pg/mL is the clinically used “rule-out” cut-off for BNP, using the MCAM level at a single cut-off can greatly improve on the diagnostic accuracy of BNP. MCAM values can compensate for the lack of specificity of BNP when values are above 100 pg/mL.

TABLE 2 Accuracy BNP at 100 pg/mL = 71% Accuracy MCAM = 84% Accuracy BNP (rule-out) + MCAM = 86%

Example 3 Verification of MCAM as a Marker of Disease Progression: Comparison of Levels at Admission Versus Discharge

Patients diagnosed with acute heart failure were sampled both at admission to the ED as well as at discharge from the hospital, i.e. when patients were deemed to have recovered and to be stable. On average the discharge sample was taken 9-11 days after the admission sample. Levels of MCAM were measured using MASSterclass in both samples and levels were compared within the same patient. For the majority of patients there was a significant decrease of MCAM when admission and discharge levels were compared (FIG. 5). A very similar picture is obtained when BNP levels at admission versus discharge are compared. This data supports the idea that MCAM levels are a reflection of disease status and thus could be used to monitor and/or predict an acute event.

Furthermore the main treatment given to these AHF patients are diuretics and as a consequence the patients lose fluids. Hence a drop in MCAM levels is reflective of a change in filling status of the patients.

Example 4 MCAM Levels Associate with Weight Gain and Weight Loss in Acute Dyspnea Patients

Clinical samples from acute dyspnea patients (BASEL V cohort as described in Potocki et al., Journal of Internal Medicine 2010 January; 267(1):119-29), either diagnosed with acute decompensated heart failure or dyspnea due to other causes were screened for MCAM using MASSterclass. All clinical data pertaining the samples was obtained via the clinical collaborator and added to the MASSterclass data analysis pipeline.

Associations of MCAM levels with all available clinical parameters were computed using univariate statistical tests. Spearman's ranked test was used to compute correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon rank sum test for assessing whether two independent samples of observation originate from the same population.

This analysis showed a clear association of MCAM with weight gain prior to admission to the hospital and weight loss after therapeutic diuretics use as indicated by the low Wilcoxon p-values (summarized in Table 3).

TABLE 3 population MCAM p-values weight loss admission to discharge AHF 0.00383 weight gain prior to admission AHF 0.00058

FIG. 9 illustrates the effect weight gain on MCAM levels. AHF patients that put on weight prior to admission to the hospital (fluid build-up) have clearly increased levels of MCAM.

Example 5 MCAM Levels are Increased in AHF Patients with Systolic Dysfunction

The effect of systolic versus diastolic dysfunction in heart failure patients on MCAM levels was investigated based on the MASSterclass screening results of the BASEL V cohort. This cohort contains a sufficient number of AHF patients with either reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF <55) or preserved LVEF (LVEF >55). MCAM levels are significantly higher in AHF patients with reduced ejection fractions (p<0.001). FIG. 10 shows box and whisker plots for MCAM in these two AHF subpopulations.

Patients with a systolic dysfunction (reduced EF) are more resistant to fluid build-up and will accumulate more volume compared to patients with diastolic dysfunction before symptoms of dyspnea occur. 

1. A method for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating acute heart failure (AHF) in a subject, characterised in that the examination phase of the method comprises measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject.
 2. The method according to claim 1 comprising the steps: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject; (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) with a reference value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF; (iii) finding a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) from the reference value; (iv) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a particular diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject.
 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to a reference value representing the diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or representing a good prognosis for AHF indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.
 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sensitivity and/or specificity of the method is at least 80%.
 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the subject presents itself with one or more symptoms and/or signs potentially indicative of AHF.
 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the subject presents itself with dyspnea, e.g. caused by COPD, pneumonia or AHF.
 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the subject has a medical history of heart failure.
 8. A method for diagnosing acute heart failure (AHF) or recovery thereof in a subject admitted to the hospital comprising the steps: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject upon admission to the hospital and at a time point where a diagnosis of recovery of AHF has to be made; (ii) comparing the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) with a reference value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF; (iii) finding a deviation or no deviation of the quantity of MCAM measured in (i) from the reference value; (iv) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a particular diagnosis of AHF or recovery of AHF in the subject.
 9. A method for monitoring a change in the diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in a subject, comprising: (i) applying the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 to the subject at one or more successive time points, whereby the diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject is determined at said successive time points; (ii) comparing the diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject at said successive time points as determined in (i); and (iii) finding the presence or absence of a change between the diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject at said successive time points as determined in (i).
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said change in the diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject is monitored in the course of a medical treatment of said subject.
 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the examination phase of the method further comprises measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF in the sample from the subject.
 12. The method according to claim 11 comprising the steps: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in the sample from the subject; (ii) using the measurements of (i) to establish a subject profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers; (iii) comparing said subject profile of (ii) to a reference profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers, said reference profile representing a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF; (iv) finding a deviation or no deviation of the subject profile of (ii) from the reference profile; (v) attributing said finding of deviation or no deviation to a particular diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF in the subject.
 13. The method according to any one of claim 11 or 12, wherein said other biomarker useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF is chosen from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.
 14. A method for establishing a reference value for the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing: (a) a diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or a good prognosis for AHF, or (b) a diagnosis or prediction of AHF or a poor prognosis for AHF, comprising: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in: (i a) one or more samples from one or more subjects not having AHF or not being at risk of having AHF or having a good prognosis for AHF, or (i b) one or more samples from one or more subjects having AHF or being at risk of having AHF or having a poor prognosis for AHF, and (ii) storing the quantity of MCAM (ii a) as measured in (i a) as the reference value representing the diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or representing the good prognosis for AHF, or (ii b) as measured in (i b) as the reference value representing the diagnosis or prediction of AHF or representing the poor prognosis for AHF.
 15. A method for establishing a reference profile for the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF, said reference profile representing: (a) a diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or a good prognosis for AHF, or (b) a diagnosis or prediction of AHF or a poor prognosis for AHF, comprising: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in: (i a) one or more samples from one or more subjects not having AHF or not being at risk of having AHF or having a good prognosis for AHF; or (i b) one or more samples from one or more subjects having AHF or being at risk of having AHF or having a poor prognosis for AHF; (ii) (ii a) using the measurements of (i a) to create a profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers; or (ii b) using the measurements of (i b) to create a profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers; (iii) (iii a) storing the profile of (ii a) as the reference profile representing the diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or representing the good prognosis for AHF; or (iii b) storing the profile of (ii b) as the reference profile representing the diagnosis or prediction of AHF or representing the poor prognosis for AHF.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said other biomarker useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF is chosen from the group consisting of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), amino terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and fragments of any one thereof.
 17. A method for establishing a MCAM base-line or reference value in a subject, comprising: (i) measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject at different time points wherein the subject is not suffering from AHF, and (ii) calculating the range or mean value of the subject, which is the MCAM base-line or reference value for said subject.
 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the subject is human.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the subject is suffering from AHF involving systolic dysfunction.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein said systolic dysfunction is characterized by a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), preferably wherein said LVEF is less than 55% or less than 50% or less than 45%, and/or by increased cardiac filling pressure.
 21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers is measured using, respectively, a binding agent capable of specifically binding to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, and a binding agent capable of specifically binding to said one or more other biomarkers.
 22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers is measured using an immunoassay technology, such as direct ELISA, indirect ELISA, sandwich ELISA, competitive ELISA, multiplex ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) or ELISPOT technologies, or using a mass spectrometry analysis method or using a chromatography method, or using a combination of said methods.
 23. The method of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the reference value is determined according to any one of claims 13-22.
 24. A reference value obtained according to any one of claims 14-22.
 25. The method according to any one of claims 1-22, wherein the sample used is plasma, and wherein the plasma circulating form of MCAM is detected.
 26. A kit for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF in a subject, the kit comprising means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from the subject.
 27. The kit according to claim 26, comprising: (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject; and (ii) a reference value of the quantity of MCAM or means for establishing said reference value, wherein said reference value represents a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF.
 28. The kit according to any one of claim 26 or 27, further comprising means for measuring in the sample from the subject the presence or absence and/or quantity of one or more other biomarkers useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF, preferably wherein said other biomarkers are chosen from the group consisting of BNP, proBNP, NTproBNP and fragments of any one thereof.
 29. The kit according to claim 28, comprising: (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject; (ii) means for measuring the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers in the sample from the subject; (iii) optionally, means for establishing a subject profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers; and (iv) a reference profile of the quantity of MCAM and the presence or absence and/or quantity of said one or more other biomarkers, or means for establishing said reference profile, said reference profile representing a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF.
 30. The kit according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the means for measuring the quantity of MCAM and/or the presence or absence and/or quantity of the one or more other biomarkers comprise, respectively, one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, and one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to said one or more other biomarkers.
 31. The kit according to claim 30, wherein the binding agent is an antibody, aptamer, photoaptamer, protein, peptide, peptidomimetic or a small molecule.
 32. The kit according to any one of claims 26 to 31, configured as a portable device, preferably a bed-side device.
 33. The kit according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein said means for detecting MCAM is capable of detecting the plasma-circulating form of MCAM, preferably capable of specifically detecting the plasma-circulating form of MCAM.
 34. A protein, polypeptide or peptide array or microarray comprising (a) MCAM and/or a fragment thereof, preferably a known quantity or concentration of said MCAM and/or fragment thereof; and (b) one or more other biomarkers useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF, preferably a known quantity or concentration of said one or more other biomarkers, and preferably wherein said other biomarkers are chosen from the group consisting of BNP, proBNP, NTproBNP and fragments of any one thereof.
 35. A binding agent array or microarray comprising: (a) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to MCAM and/or to fragments thereof, preferably a known quantity or concentration of said binding agents; and (b) one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to one or more other biomarkers useful for diagnosing, predicting and/or prognosticating AHF, preferably a known quantity or concentration of said binding agents, and preferably wherein said other biomarkers are chosen from the group consisting of BNP, proBNP, NTproBNP and fragments of any one thereof.
 36. A portable testing device capable of measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject comprising: (i) means for obtaining a sample from the subject, and (ii) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in said sample, and (iii) means for visualising the quantity of MCAM measured in the sample.
 37. The portable testing device according to claim 36, wherein the visualising means is capable of indicating whether the quantity of MCAM in the sample is above or below a certain threshold level and/or whether the quantity of MCAM in the sample deviates or not from a reference value of the quantity of MCAM, said reference value representing a known diagnosis, prediction and/or prognosis of AHF.
 38. The portable testing device of claim 37, further comprising said reference value or means for establishing said reference value.
 39. The portable device according to claim 37, wherein the threshold level is chosen such that the quantity of MCAM in the sample above said threshold level indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject, and the quantity of MCAM in the sample below said threshold level indicates that the subject does not have or is not at risk of having AHF or indicates a good prognosis for AHF in the subject.
 40. The portable device according to claim 37 or 38, comprising a reference value representing the diagnosis or prediction of no AHF or representing a good prognosis for AHF, or comprising means for establishing said reference value, such that an elevated quantity of MCAM in the sample from the subject compared to said reference value indicates that the subject has or is at risk of having AHF or indicates a poor prognosis for AHF in the subject.
 41. The portable device of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein said means of part (ii) and/or (iii) comprises a solid support having a proximal and distal end, comprising: a sample application zone in the vicinity of the proximal end; a reaction zone distal to the sample application zone; and a detection zone distal to the reaction zone; whereby said support has a capillary property that directs a flow of fluid sample applied in the application zone in a direction from the proximal end to the distal end.
 42. The portable device of claim 41, wherein the reaction zone comprises one or more bands of a MCAM-specific binding molecules conjugated to a detection agent, which MCAM specific binding molecule conjugate is disposed on the solid support such that it can migrate with the capillary flow of fluid; and wherein the detection zone comprises one or more capture bands comprising a population of MCAM specific molecule immobilised on the solid support.
 43. The portable device of claim 42, wherein the reaction zone additionally comprises one or more bands of capture MCAM-specific binding molecules in an amount sufficient to prevent a threshold quantity of MCAM specific binding molecule conjugates to migrate to the detection zone.
 44. An isolated fragment of MCAM.
 45. The isolated fragment of claim 44, which is the plasma circulating fragment of MCAM.
 46. The isolated MCAM or fragment thereof according to claim 44 or 45, comprising a detectable label.
 47. Use of isolated MCAM or fragment thereof according to any one of claims 44-46, as a control, standard or calibator in a method according to any one of claims 1 to
 25. 48. A testing device capable of measuring the quantity of MCAM in a sample from a subject comprising: (i) means for measuring the quantity of MCAM in said sample, and (ii) means of storing the reference value in the device, and (iii) means of comparing the obtained quantity with the stored reference value, and (iv) means for visualising the quantity of MCAM measured in the sample. 